UNM Presidential Search Heats Up: Finalists Confront Critical Campus Issues and Community Priorities

POLICY WIRE — Albuquerque, New Mexico — The ongoing search for the next president of the University of New Mexico (UNM) is drawing significant community engagement, as students and staff actively participate in forums to question finalists on critical issues like faculty remuneration and campus security.

With current president Garnett Stokes scheduled to conclude her tenure in July, the university is now evaluating five distinct candidates vying for the top leadership position. The initial public forum, featuring finalist Elizabeth Watkins, took place on Monday, providing an opportunity for faculty, students, staff, and the general public to articulate their essential expectations for UNM‘s future direction.

Key Issues Raised by the Community

A primary concern voiced during the initial session focused on the compensation for graduate students and other staff members. Dominic Oddo, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, underscored the necessity of a livable wage for graduate students.

“It’s important that we get paid at a livable wage,” Oddo stated, highlighting that his monthly stipend of just over $2,000 is insufficient to cover living expenses, including housing and groceries.

Oddo further emphasized the vital role graduate students play within the university framework. He pointed out their significant contributions to teaching a majority of courses, grading for thousands of students weekly, and generating substantial revenue for the institution.

Damion Terrell, who serves as the president of the UNM Staff Council, echoed these sentiments, advocating for improved pay and enhanced support for all lower-wage staff. He stressed the council’s goal to ensure all employees’ earnings keep pace with the rising cost of inflation.

Another pressing issue brought to the forefront was campus safety. Joseph Lane, set to assume the presidency of the staff council next month, identified security as a paramount concern for the university community. He cited recent incidents, including a shooting on campus last summer, as catalysts for this heightened focus.

Meet the Candidates

The field of presidential candidates includes a diverse group of academic leaders:

• Eric L. Barker, Vice President for Health Affairs at Purdue University
• Steven Goldstein, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at the University of California, Irvine
• Eric Link, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of North Dakota
• Ashwani Monga, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer for the University System of Georgia
• Elizabeth “Liz” Watkins, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor at the University of California, Riverside

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Upcoming Candidate Forums

The structured introduction of the candidates is continuing through May. Following Elizabeth Watkins‘s initial appearance on April 20, the second finalist is scheduled to address the community in SUB Ballroom C on Tuesday afternoon. The full schedule for the remaining candidate visits is as follows:

• Ashwani Monga: April 21
• Eric L. Barker: May 11
• Steven Goldstein: May 12
• Eric Link: May 13

Each session offers a crucial opportunity for the campus community to engage directly with the prospective leaders, influencing the final decision for UNM‘s future.

The university’s choice of its next president will undoubtedly shape its trajectory, addressing critical operational and community welfare aspects, much like how other institutions in the region face significant challenges. For instance, in a recent local development, Albuquerque’s Historic Lindy’s Diner Shuts Down Over Urgent Building Safety Concerns.