The University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Pharmacy has started renovations on its 50-year-old facility, aiming to update the building and expand its capacity for training future pharmacists and researchers. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members attended a ceremony marking the beginning of construction at UNM’s North Campus.
Donald Godwin, dean of the UNM College of Pharmacy, emphasized the significance of this project for both the institution and broader health outcomes in New Mexico. “This renovation is both a tribute to the College’s 80-year legacy and a bold step toward the future,” said Godwin. “It ensures that we remain at the cutting edge of pharmacy education and research, arming our students and faculty with the tools they need to address the rapidly evolving health care landscape.”
Godwin further stated: “This is not simply a building renovation, it is an investment in the health of New Mexico. By training the next generation of pharmacy leaders in a space that encourages excellence and innovation, we are ensuring that our graduates are ready to improve care, expand access, and strengthen the health of communities across our state and beyond.”
Founded in 1945 as UNM’s first health profession school, the College has contributed significantly to pharmacy practice locally and nationally. The current facility was built in 1975 for a smaller college population; today, it ranks among the top 20 pharmacy schools nationwide and is third in total National Institutes of Health funding. The college trains most practicing pharmacists in New Mexico.
The $35 million renovation project will modernize more than 37,000 square feet while refreshing another 17,000 square feet within its existing footprint. This effort follows approval from voters through a General Obligation Bond passed in 2024.
Vigil & Associates leads design efforts alongside Architekton. Vicente Castillo, Principal Architect at Vigil & Associates Architectural Group said: “From a design standpoint, this project presented a unique opportunity to extend the life of this facility which has served the College of Pharmacy well for 50 years. By retaining the concrete structure and core but replacing the envelope and revamping utilities and interior spaces, the reinvigorated facility will be ready to house The College of Pharmacy for another 50 plus years. By reusing the existing structure and with an anticipated energy savings of approximately 80% over current, the renovation will be a model on campus for sustainable design strategies to conserve materials and resources.”
Castillo noted logistical challenges due to its central location on North Campus as well as having research facilities housed below ground level: “These factors present constraints that our construction partners have worked diligently to develop innovative solutions that will allow work to happen efficiently with minimal disruption to campus activities and ensuring safety near the project.”
Planned upgrades include new classrooms designed for flexibility, high-performance laboratories for research activity growth, improved student lounges, collaborative areas connecting learners with faculty or community partners—as well as modern HVAC systems; updated IT infrastructure; robust communication networks; and changes to maximize connection with campus while improving energy efficiency through new building envelopes.
In fiscal year 2024 alone—according to institutional data—the college received over $21 million in external funding—a nearly threefold increase compared with seven years prior—highlighting continued growth in biomedical research leadership.
Godwin concluded: “The renovated spaces are designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and discovery... By creating modern classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and flexible research and engagement spaces we are providing students faculty staff with environment they need push boundaries generate new ideas connect communities we serve.”
