The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently unveiled its legislative session leaders' agenda, which was discussed and presented across multiple campuses, including the main campus, UNM Health and Health Sciences (UNM HHS), and branch campuses. The primary focus of these discussions was to enhance academics and refine the healthcare system.
In anticipation of the fiscal year 2025, UNM's capital priorities encompass a broad range of initiatives. These include constructing a new humanities and social sciences complex, upgrading various branch campuses, and enhancing recruitment and retention for faculty, health professionals, and staff by improving compensation structures. Within the Health Sciences domain, plans also involve upgrading the health sciences network for broader coverage and replacing outdated distribution switches, optical fiber, and network equipment. A sum of $11.3 million has been allocated from the legislature to fund these endeavors. A significant emphasis is being placed on renovating the 48-year-old UNM College of Pharmacy building to ensure it meets modern teaching, research, and student enrichment needs according to a press release by UNM.
"New Mexico legislators and policymakers love to see all the wonderful work and programs that occur at the University of New Mexico, the UNM Health and Health Sciences at our branch campuses and across the whole state," said Mike Puelle, UNM Chief Government Relations Officer in a press release by UNM. He added that it's beneficial to have those involved in implementing programs directly communicate with decision-makers.
Donald A. Godwin, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at UNM expressed his thoughts on future opportunities for expansion within their facilities. "We have the opportunity, with the College of Nursing moving out, to be able to take over some space," Godwin said in a press release by UNM. "We need a building that is welcoming and really gives us a sense of home to the college."
According to information provided on its About webpage by UNM Health Sciences, the UNM Health Sciences Center is committed to delivering healthcare to New Mexico's diverse population. The center aims to provide equitable access to healthcare and also engages in medical research.