Garnett S. Stokes, the University of New Mexico’s 23rd president and its first woman in the role, will retire in July 2026 after eight years leading the institution. The UNM Board of Regents has approved a six-month contract extension to ensure Stokes remains at the helm through that date, allowing for continued progress on major university initiatives during the leadership transition.
Stokes began her tenure at UNM in March 2018. During her time as president, she launched several initiatives aimed at advancing the university’s mission across education, research, health care, and economic development. Among these efforts was “UNM 2040: Opportunity Defined,” a strategic framework guiding campus priorities and future growth.
She also established the Grand Challenges Initiative in 2019, which targeted key issues like sustainable water resources, artificial intelligence, substance use disorders, and child health. The program attracted significant external funding and promoted interdisciplinary collaboration; since its inception, an initial investment of $2.25 million grew to more than $100 million in grants and awards.
Student enrollment has seen consistent increases during Stokes’ administration. Over four consecutive years, total student numbers rose alongside six years of growing first-year registrations. The university expanded support services for students during this period.
Research collaborations expanded under Stokes’ leadership as well—particularly in health sciences, engineering, arts, sustainability projects, and emerging areas such as quantum science—helping maintain UNM’s Carnegie R1 status for research activity.
Economic development has been another focus area for UNM during Stokes’ presidency. Partnerships with state agencies and national laboratories have accelerated technology commercialization efforts while supporting new startups and career opportunities for students. Development projects like the South Campus Tax Increment Development District (TIDD) have brought new investment to Albuquerque and strengthened ties between the university and local economic sectors.
Health care access also grew with construction of a new Critical Care Tower at UNM Hospital scheduled to open soon. Additional facilities were modernized or expanded for various colleges within UNM Health Sciences Center to train more professionals needed by New Mexico’s workforce.
UNM athletics underwent investments in both facilities and leadership aimed at improving integrity and student-athlete success. Physical changes across campus included completion of major buildings such as the Critical Care Tower at UNM Hospital (expected to begin patient activation soon), new academic centers, revitalization projects like Duck Pond improvements with enhanced ecological systems and accessibility upgrades.
Paul Blanchard, chair of the UNM Board of Regents, said: “On behalf of the Board of Regents and the UNM community, we extend our deep gratitude to President Garnett S. Stokes for her visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the University. Her work has positioned UNM as a national leader in research, student success, and a vital partner and major driver of economic development for communities across our state.
“As we look to the future, the Board is committed to conducting a robust search for the next president while we continue to have the benefit of President Stokes leadership.”
The board has begun searching for a successor but plans ongoing work on expanding workforce pipelines—including doubling M.D. graduates from its School of Medicine—investments in interdisciplinary research facilities with national laboratory partners; further growth in quantum computing research; entrepreneurship programs via Rainforest Innovations; and continuing alignment with statewide academic priorities outlined by “UNM 2040.” President Stokes will oversee these initiatives until her retirement takes effect in July 2026.
