The UNM Board of Regents: A New Chapter for the University

A recent decision by the UNM Board of Regents has set the stage for a fresh leadership era at the university. The board’s search process was open and data‑driven, avoiding the usual political drama that often surrounds university appointments. The criteria they used focused on UNM’s long‑term plan, called UNM 2040, and the ability to manage a large public institution with a diverse health system. In a world where many think a business background is enough, the board highlighted that running a university requires a deep understanding of faculty culture and research funding. Five top candidates were shortlisted, all holding senior academic or health‑care leadership roles elsewhere. They include provosts from UC Riverside, UGA, Purdue, UC Irvine and the University of North Dakota.Each has a strong record in teaching, research and public engagement, demonstrating that the board looked beyond simple administrative experience. The search was transparent: all finalists spoke publicly on campus, answered questions from students and staff, and their evaluations were shared with the community. This openness helped build trust among stakeholders who had grown wary of opaque hiring practices in higher education. Looking ahead, the new president will face the challenge of maintaining the steady progress achieved under President Stokes. Her tenure was marked by calm leadership during a global pandemic, and the board hopes the next leader will continue to balance long‑term goals with day‑to‑day campus needs. The hope is that the chosen president will listen closely to all voices and steer UNM through future uncertainties, just as Stokes did.