Vice Chair of the Board of Regents, Jack L. Fortner | The University of New Mexico
State lawmakers praised the continued growth of The University of New Mexico-Gallup after Chancellor Sabrina Ezzell delivered updates about the branch campus to the New Mexico Interim Indian Affairs Committee on Friday, Aug. 2.
The committee held a three-day meeting in the northwest corner of the state, concluding at UNM-Gallup’s Student Services & Technology Center. This marks the second consecutive year that UNM-Gallup has hosted a meeting of the Interim Indian Affairs Committee.
“I’m happy to be hosting your meeting today,” Chancellor Sabrina Ezzell said. “It’s really nice to see all of you again. UNM-Gallup has a lot of great things going on.”
Ezzell highlighted developments such as increased student enrollment, a career pathway partnership with the local school district, and the opening of a new Native American Student Success Center.
Legislators had the opportunity to ask questions and express their support for UNM-Gallup’s progress. New Mexico state Rep. Patty Lundstrom, who represents McKinley County, commended Ezzell's leadership.
“Just for the benefit of the committee, I’d like to say that, from my experience, she has been the best director we’ve had here,” Lundstrom said. “And I say that wholeheartedly.”
During her presentation, Ezzell reported that student enrollment at UNM-Gallup has increased over the past three years. Enrollment for Fall 2024 was up 8% compared to last year, with expectations for it to reach at least 10%.
A new collaboration with Gallup-McKinley County Schools Pathways program is expected to sustain this growth. Starting in Fall 2024, UNM-Gallup will admit 90 GMCS students into health career pathways programs designed to prepare high school students for careers in nursing and allied health fields.
In Fall 2025 and Fall 2026 semesters, additional students will be admitted into digital media and engineering pathways respectively.
New Mexico state Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero participated actively during discussions hosted by UNM-Gallup.
Ezzell also announced plans for a new Native American Student Success Center funded by a five-year $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution program. Designated as such an institution in 2023, Native American students constitute approximately 67% of UNM-Gallup’s total student population.
Rep. D. Wonda Johnson expressed her support: “I’m so happy that you’re providing the Native American services center... I just want to appreciate all of your work."
Other updates shared by Ezzell included:
- Hiring new faculty for licensed practical nurse programs through funding from New Mexico Higher Education Department’s Research and Public Service Projects (RPSP) program.
- Revamping non-credit programs under Ashlee Velasquez's leadership.
- Responding to requests for proposals from New Mexico Department of Transportation.
- Construction projects involving Middle College High School and McKinley Academy.
- Renovations funded by General Obligation Bond approvals aimed at improving facilities within Gurley Hall.
“Thank you so much, chancellor, for your presentation,” Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero said. “It was very uplifting to hear about growth and expansion for our students' betterment.”
