Stokes sets vision for UNM’s future at State of the University address

On Friday, Feb. 21, University of New Mexico President Garnett Stokes reflected on the past year and outlined plans for UNM’s future in her seventh annual State of the University address. During the speech, she mentioned the University’s response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive actions that target funding for higher education.

Part of the University’s response, Stokes said, includes maintaining UNM’s resource centers and health programs in the face of Department of Education guidance telling universities to end race-based programs by Feb. 28 or risk losing federal funding. The University’s rapid response teams, which were implemented after Trump’s inauguration, will continue to analyze executive orders and regulations, she said.

“In the meantime, we are continuing to keep in place the programs and resources needed to help support and encourage our student success,” Stokes said.

During the speech, Stokes said UNM would not compromise its core values, including inclusive excellence, when adapting to federal administrative changes.

“The facilities we have in place to support, guide, inspire, help and motivate our students play a vital role in their success,” Stokes said. “They have never been about exclusion.”

There is a section labeled “inclusive excellence” on the UNM website that provides updates and provisional guidance about Trump’s actions. As of Sunday, Feb. 23, the section reads that the University is monitoring the impact “within this area and will provide information and/or guidance as it becomes available.”

Stokes also touted accomplishments and research breakthroughs at the University, referencing research about microplastics, quantum information science and engineering, and artificial intelligence.

She discussed UNM’s work to address substance use disorders. UNM’s Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions conducts research to reduce suffering related to substance use and addictive behaviors, according to its website.

“Our state is No. 1 in the nation for alcohol mortality and eight in the nation for drug overdose deaths,” Stokes said.

Stokes did not explicitly mention the recent proposed cuts to National Institutes of Health research funding, which could lead to a $20 million loss for UNM. A federal judge temporarily blocked the proposed cuts after 22 states, including New Mexico, sued. The judge extended the block the same day as Stokes’ speech, but a lasting decision has not yet been reached in the case, according to The New York Times.

In the coming months, Stokes said she will conduct a search and name a director for the UNM Office of Substance Use Disorders, who will develop and implement a plan to expand the University’s workforce and increase access to evidence-based treatments.

Stokes also focused more broadly on health care and health education at UNM during the address. UNM Hospital is training Zuni language interpreters, Stokes said, which she hopes leads to more interpreter programs in other tribal languages.

Stokes thanked New Mexico voters for supporting general obligation bonds that provided funding for the UNMH Children’s Psychiatric Center and other infrastructure projects. She also referenced the start of construction on a new reproductive health center in Las Cruces, and the recent opening of a clinic in Roswell for HIV and sexual health care.

In terms of enrollment, Stokes said UNM had a record-breaking fall class for the second year in a row. The first-year class is also the most diverse in school history, with over 73% of students coming from traditionally underrepresented populations, Stokes said. She also mentioned UNM’s status as a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution Leader.

Stokes did not make any direct references to Trump’s immigration policies or their impact. Guidance for interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents if they come to the UNM campus can be found on the updates and provisional guidance website. On Jan. 20, the Department of Homeland Security issued a directive ending the practice of ICE avoiding “protected areas,” including colleges.

"I can promise you this: When we say we’re committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, we mean it,” Stokes said.

Lily Alexander is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on X @llilyalexander

Jaden McKelvey-Francis is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

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