Provost Announces Merger of UNM Extended University & Continuing Education

University of New Mexico Provost Chaouki Abdallah today announced the immediate merger of the divisions of Extended University and Continuing Education into the new division of Extended Learning.  With this new structure, Jeronimo Dominguez will serve as vice provost of Extended Learning and Joseph Miera will serve as interim executive director of Continuing Education.

"After a lengthy review conducted last year, and consultation with President Frank, Vice Provost Jeronimo Dominguez and other concerned parties, I have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest of the University of New Mexico to merge Extended University and Continuing Education. The reorganization will result in efficiencies and cost savings overall" said Abdallah.

Extended University handles academic coursework offered online, through education centers throughout the state, interactive television and correspondence.  Students must be enrolled at UNM to take courses through Extended University. Programmatically, Extended University will continue to work with academic units to create access to UNM's credit classes and degree completion programs.

Continuing Education provides lifelong learning to New Mexicans who are interested in taking courses not for credit or taking specific courses to obtain a certificate. Continuing Education will continue to focus on providing non-credit opportunities to the community. As Extended Learning, the division may focus on older students who are interested in reentering the workforce through a certificate or degree program.

In addition to aligning the missions of the two organizations, the merger will integrate the separate support units within the divisions such as marketing, financial, human resources and IT services.

Media Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627; email: kwent2@unm.edu