University of New Mexico: A Legacy of Achievement and Innovation
The University of New Mexico (UNM), New Mexico’s flagship university, stands as a beacon of education, research, and community engagement. As a premier R1 institution, UNM is committed to addressing the challenges facing our generation and creating opportunities for the people it serves. In the Land of Achievement, UNM fosters a spirit of inquiry, encourages the forging of new paths, and promotes the breaking down of barriers.
A History Rooted in New Mexico
Founded on February 28, 1889, the University of New Mexico has a rich history intertwined with the state's own journey. The act establishing UNM stipulated that it was "intended to be the state University when New Mexico shall [be] admitted as a state into the Union". Judge Bernard Shandon Rodey, recognized as the "Father of the University," championed Albuquerque as the ideal location and co-authored the statute that brought UNM into existence. Early leaders like William G. Tight, the third president, played a pivotal role in shaping the university's identity. Tight introduced the Pueblo Revival architectural style, which has become a hallmark of the campus.
During the tenure of James F. Zimmerman, the university underwent its first major expansion, with new buildings constructed, student enrollment increased, new departments added, and greater support generated for scientific research. Thomas L. Popejoy, the first native New Mexican to serve as university president, presided over a period of major growth for the university. During this time, enrollment jumped and numerous new facilities were constructed.
A Campus Reflecting Culture and Environment
Today, the University of New Mexico occupies 600 acres along old Route 66 in the heart of Albuquerque. The city itself is a vibrant blend of culture and cuisine, styles and stories, people, pursuits, and panoramas, set against the backdrop of magnificent mesas, the historic Rio Grande, and the Sandia Mountains. UNM's campus environment is unique, featuring a Pueblo Revival architectural theme that pays homage to the nearby Pueblo Indian villages. The nationally recognized Campus Arboretum provides an outstanding botanical experience within one of New Mexico's great public open spaces.
The central campus is situated between Central Avenue on the south, Girard Boulevard on the east, Lomas Boulevard on the north, and University Boulevard on the west, and is home to the main academic university. The North Campus, which includes the medical, nursing, pharmacological, and law schools as well as the University of New Mexico Hospital, is located on the north side of Lomas across from the central campus. The South campus is located a mile south of the central campus, centered around the intersection of University Boulevard and Avenida César Chavez, and includes most of UNM's athletic facilities. Eight university buildings are listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places, including Hodgin Hall, the university's first building, and two adjacent structures, the Art Annex and Sara Reynolds Hall.
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A Diverse and Dedicated Community
UNM is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that embraces a wide cross-section of cultures and backgrounds. In the fall of 2018, 24,393 students attended main campus and another 6,491 attended branch campuses and education centers. The average student at UNM is 27 years old. The university boasts outstanding faculty members, including a Nobel Laureate, two MacArthur Fellows, and several members of the national academies. UNM faculty members are frequently published in professional journals and quoted in major news outlets. The university employs over 27,000 people statewide, including employees of University Hospital, and has more than 114,000 alumni, with Lobos in every state and 89 foreign countries. Nearly half of UNM's alumni choose to remain in New Mexico, contributing to the state's growth and development.
Academic Excellence and Research Prowess
Under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UNM is designated Doctoral/Research Universities-Highest Research Activity. Institutions with this classification typically offer a wide range of baccalaureate programs, are committed to graduate education through the doctorate and awarded 50 or more doctoral degrees per year across at least 15 disciplines. UNM's main and branch campuses offer many programs ranging from undergraduate certificates to doctoral degrees. Additionally, there are three first-professional programs in law, medicine and pharmacy as well as five education specialist certificates. UNM's libraries, museums, galleries and Center for the Arts are a rich cultural resource for the state. UNM's Tamarind Institute is one of the premier printmaking workshops in the world.
UNM’s top ranking came with the School of Engineering, which was ranked in the top-100 at No. 96 for Undergraduate Engineering Programs among schools whose highest degree is a doctorate. As an institution, UNM was ranked No. 136 in the Top Public Schools category and No. At the UNM College of Nursing, this year's ranking places the College in the top 17% of nursing schools across the country - ranked No. UNM faculty published in many professional journals including Scientific American, New England Journal of Medicine and Nature. UNM professors have been quoted in Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, Business Week, People Magazine, Parade Magazine, US News and World Report, and the New Yorker, among others. UNM professors have shared their expertise on CNN, Today Show, Good Morning America, Nova and other news shows.
Commitment to Sustainability
UNM is committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. The university has been reducing campus energy usage through monitoring and retrofitting cooling, heating, water, and lighting technologies. All new construction on campus has been registered for LEED status. So far, an expansion of Castetter Hall and the Technology and Education Center are the only LEED-certified buildings on campus, with a Gold and Platinum rating respectively.
Athletics: The Lobos
UNM is home to the Lobos and is part of the Mountain West conference. UNM's NCAA Division I program (FBS for football) offers 18 varsity sports. Two human mascots, referred to as Louie Lobo and Lucy Lobo, rouse crowds at New Mexico athletic events. UNM maintains strong athletic rivalries with New Mexico State University. The UNM-NMSU rivalry is called the Rio Grande Rivalry, a competitive series based on points awarded to the winners of head-to-head competitions between the two universities in every sport. The Lobo men's basketball team is famous for its venue, The Pit. The UNM women's cross-country team won the NCAA championship in 2015 and 2017.
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Student Life and Activities
The main university campus is located in the lower Heights of Albuquerque just east of Downtown Albuquerque and is the focal point for the neighborhoods surrounding it; the neighborhoods to the immediate south and west are home to a large population of students. The Student Union Building (SUB) is a major activity center for students on-campus, with a food court, a movie theater, event facilities, student government and organization offices, student services, and recreation areas. Another major hotspot for students is the popular Frontier Restaurant, a late-night eatery located across Central Avenue from main campus and a popular meeting spot for students. The Associated Students of the University of New Mexico (ASUNM) is the undergraduate student government of UNM, with an elected student body president, vice-president, student court, and 20 senators. Homecoming Week is held each fall to welcome back alumni. UNM owns and operates KUNM-FM, one of two National Public Radio stations in Albuquerque.
A Hub for Innovation and Economic Development
New Mexico is an inspiring state, attracting some of the brightest minds in the world. And those minds teach, learn, and discover at The University of New Mexico. That’s how Lobos impact the state-and the world. UNM prepares passionate learners, care for communities, and empower entrepreneurs to build industry changing businesses. The university is addressing the world’s energy needs while developing sustainable solutions to protect the region’s natural resources and reimagining rural medicine while enhancing access to education for everyone. New Mexico scientists have formed nearly 150 bioscience startups in just the past 10 years. UNM is a regional bioscience tech-transfer leader.
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