Finance and Administration - UNM UCAM Newsroom

UNM Police Department celebrates move into new headquarters

Steve Carr — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:47:00 GMT

The University of New Mexico Police Department has a new headquarters designed to enhance campus safety, strengthen community engagement and better support the officers who serve the UNM community. A grand opening, ribbon-cutting celebration officially opened the new facility today.

The facility underscores the University's commitment to fostering a welcoming campus environment where students, faculty and staff feel secure and supported in their academic and professional pursuits.

“This new building provides UNM Police with the tools they need to do their jobs well. It also assures our community that their safety is our priority,” said UNM President Steve Goldstein. “It features a state-of-the-art dispatch center, modernized public spaces, and amenities that support the preparedness of our officers. It is also in a more central location, which means faster response times across our campuses."

Previously, UNMPD operated from Hokona Hall, a former student residence on UNM's central campus. Located at the corner of University Boulevard and Mesa Vista Road NE, the new headquarters was purpose-built for modern policing and is designed to enhance campus safety, improve operational efficiency, increase police visibility and strengthen community engagement from a more accessible location.

The new headquarters is one of several recent investments the University has made to strengthen campus safety, alongside expanded lighting, access control improvements, new safety technology, the UNM Safe app and additional community policing initiatives.

Video produced by Megan Borders

"This new headquarters represents much more than a new building. It represents an investment in the people we serve every day,” said UNM Police Chief Joe Silva. “For years, our officers worked out of a facility that was never designed for policing. Today, we have a modern, purpose-built headquarters that better supports our officers, strengthens our partnerships across campus and helps us respond more effectively when our community needs us.

“Our mission hasn't changed, but now we have a facility that allows us to carry it out more efficiently while helping ensure UNM remains a safe, welcoming place to learn, work and thrive.”

Key enhancements include:

Modern dispatch center: Equipped with updated communications technology to improve coordination and emergency response.
Dedicated training space: Provides on-site facilities for officer training and professional development.
Private interview rooms: Creates comfortable, confidential spaces for sensitive conversations.
Community meeting room: Offers a welcoming space to engage with students, faculty and staff.
Secure patrol vehicle parking: Improves operational readiness with dedicated parking for police vehicles.

"Every part of this building was designed with service in mind. Whether it's a modern dispatch center that helps us coordinate emergencies more effectively, dedicated training space that keeps our officers prepared, private interview rooms that provide dignity during difficult conversations, or a community meeting room where we can build stronger relationships, each feature supports one goal: serving the UNM community better,” Silva said. “This headquarters gives our officers the tools they need today while preparing us to meet the University's needs well into the future.”

The $16.3 million, 16,142 square foot facility was partially funded through a $9 million Institutional Bond approved in 2023.

For more information, visit the UNM Police Department.

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UNM announces Elevate UNM, a multi-year effort to modernize administrative systems

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The University of New Mexico has launched Elevate UNM, a multi-year initiative to modernize the administrative systems and processes that support our university.

UNM’s faculty, staff, and students rely on a wide range of systems every day to manage finances, human resources, student services, and other essential university functions. Many of these systems have served the university well for decades, but they are becoming increasingly difficult and costly to maintain and do not always provide the seamless experience the community deserves.

Elevate UNM is UNM’s commitment to building a stronger foundation for the future. By modernizing key administrative systems and rethinking how work gets done across the university, we will create a more connected, efficient, and responsive institution that better supports our mission of teaching, research, patient care, and service to the people of New Mexico.

“This effort is about more than technology,” said UNM Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Teresa Costantinidis. “It is about improving how we work together, reducing administrative burden, providing better access to information, and creating tools that allow faculty and staff to focus more of their time and energy on the work that matters most.”

This fall, UNM will begin the first phase of this transformation by modernizing its finance and human resources systems. Future phases will include improvements to student information system and other critical administrative technologies. Together, these investments will help position UNM to meet the needs of its students, employees, and communities for years to come.

An Important Milestone
Following a comprehensive procurement and evaluation process involving representatives from across the university, UNM has selected Oracle Fusion Cloud as the platform that will support the first phase of Elevate UNM. This modern, cloud-based solution will replace many of the university's current finance and human resource systems with a single integrated platform.

This decision reflects months of thoughtful analysis, collaboration, and careful consideration of the university's long-term needs. Oracle's platform will provide enhanced capabilities, improved reporting and analytics, stronger cross-functional integration, and a flexible foundation that can evolve with the university.

“Implementing a project of this scale will require change, learning, and patience. While some processes will look different in the future, Elevate’s goal is to ensure those changes make our work easier, more effective, and better aligned with the needs of the university.”

– Teresa Costantinidis, executive vice president, Finance and Administration

Why This Matters
At its core, Elevate UNM is about improving the experience of working at UNM. Whether hiring a new employee, managing a budget, submitting a travel reimbursement, updating personal information, accessing reports, or supporting students, the goal is to make those processes simpler, faster, and more transparent.

The new platform will help:

Streamline administrative processes and reduce manual work
Improve access to information, reporting, and analytics
Provide more direct-access options for employees and managers
Strengthen One University collaboration across Main Campus, Health Sciences, and branch campuses
Enhance security, compliance, and data stewardship
Create a sustainable technology foundation for the future

Most importantly, these improvements will help faculty and staff spend less time navigating administrative systems and more time advancing UNM's mission.

What This Means for You
Over the coming months, there will be opportunities for faculty and staff to participate in workshops, process design activities, testing efforts, training programs, and other engagement initiatives. The expertise and experience of the university community will play a critical role in shaping the implementation of these new systems.

“Implementing a project of this scale will require change, learning, and patience,” said Costantinidis. “While some processes will look different in the future, Elevate’s goal is to ensure those changes make our work easier, more effective, and better aligned with the needs of the university.”

What Comes Next
More details will be shared in the coming months, including:

Project milestones and implementation timelines
Opportunities to participate and provide feedback
Updates on project progress and key decisions
Information about project governance and leadership
Training and support resources to help you prepare

The campus community can also stay informed by visiting the Elevate UNM website, where project updates, resources, and engagement opportunities will be posted throughout the implementation journey.

Elevate UNM represents an investment not only in technology, but in the people who make this university extraordinary. By modernizing the tools that support our work, we can better focus our time, energy, and resources on serving students, advancing discovery, improving health, and strengthening communities across New Mexico.

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UNM expands Lobo Food Pantry support with Pack a Luminaria Drive

Simon Reseigh — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:48:00 GMT

The Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration is spreading light and kindness across campus through its Pack a Luminaria initiative in support of the UNM Lobo Food Pantry.

The Lobo Food Pantry accepts donations year-round.

Through Friday, Dec. 12, the office will collect donation bags filled with essential items for Lobo students. Community members can stop by Scholes Hall, Suite 111, to pick up a donation bag or use the link provided to make a financial contribution to the Lobo Food Pantry.

This year’s effort also includes “Holiday Meals in a Bag” to support students during the holiday season. The Lobo Food Pantry will collect Thanksgiving meal bags on Friday, Nov. 21, and host a final collection before winter break on Friday, Dec. 12. Each department in Scholes Hall is encouraged to donate at least one holiday meal bag for both collection periods enabling organizers to provide for as many students as possible.

To honor each contribution, a battery-operated luminaria will be placed in the Scholes Hall hallway with the donor’s name or department name. The goal is to fill the building with light throughout the season.

The campaign will conclude with a Cocoa Celebration at 8 a.m. on Dec. 12 in Scholes Hall, Suite 111 — a cozy morning of cocoa, cookies and community to commemorate this year’s drive and celebrate Lobo generosity.

Additional Food Pantry Support

Several additional food security resources for students and staff are available across UNM. The Health Sciences Center (HSC) Food Pantry serves students on the UNM North Campus who face food insecurity. North Campus is home to some of the university’s most critical programs, including the School of Medicine and the Colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy. The HSC Food Pantry is currently accepting donations to expand its services and continue supporting Lobos in need.

UNM’s food security network also extends beyond Albuquerque. The UNM Taos Food Pantry provides students with access to food assistance, help with EBT/SNAP or Medicaid enrollment and well-being workshops.

In Valencia County, the UNM Valencia Food Pantry Fund is used to stock the campus food pantry, micro-pantry and three freezers with nutritious food, quick meals and drinks for students to eat on campus or take home. The fund also supplies hygiene products available for student use on campus or to take home.

To donate to any of these food pantry programs, visit unmfund.org.

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Andrew Jacobson appointed new University Controller

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:30:00 GMT

After a comprehensive national search, The University of New Mexico (UNM) announces the appointment of Andrew Jacobson as University Controller, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Andrew Jacobson

In his new role, Jacobson will serve as the Chief Accounting Officer of the University, reporting to the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration (EVPFA). He will direct, coordinate and oversee UNM’s financial, accounting and treasury operations - including the Bursar’s Office, unrestricted and restricted accounting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and procurement - and will partner closely with senior leaders across the institution including the Health Sciences Center and UNM Hospitals.

Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Teresa Costantinidis expressed her enthusiasm regarding Jacobson’s appointment.

“Andrew’s deep experience across higher education finance, his track record in public sector financial leadership and his strong commitment to the mission of UNM make him the ideal partner as we continue strengthening our financial stewardship, transparency and strategic alignment,” said Costantinidis.

Jacobson, a UNM alum, brings nearly 25 years of leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, with more than a decade dedicated to advancing higher education in New Mexico. He comes to UNM from Central New Mexico Community College where he serves as Associate Vice President of Finance and Budget where he oversees annual operating and capital budgets, leads financial forecasting, and directs capital project funding efforts across multiple campuses.

“I am honored to join The University of New Mexico at this exciting stage, and I look forward to working with the Financial Services team, academic and health-sciences partners, and campus leadership to further our mission while advancing operational excellence, accountability and innovation,” said Jacobson.

Earlier in his career, Jacobson held senior leadership roles with the State of New Mexico, including Deputy Cabinet Secretary and Chief Financial Officer at the Higher Education Department and Deputy Cabinet Secretary at the Department of Finance & Administration. Prior to that, his career began in Chicago with Bank of America and Ritchie Capital Management, focusing on financial analysis and investment.

Jacobson holds an MBA from UNM and a BA in Business Administration/Finance from Alma College (Michigan).

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UNM launches national search for controller position

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 12:29:00 GMT

The University of New Mexico is launching a national search for the school’s next controller to succeed Norma Allen, who recently announced her retirement.

The controller position reports directly to the executive vice president for Finance and Administration (EVPFA) and will oversee a team of 176 which includes budget management, treasury functions, and audit compliance, while developing and implementing creative financial strategies that align with UNM's mission and strategic goals.

The controller will work closely with senior leaders, including the president and the Board of Regents, providing strategic financial insights and fostering a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will bring a forward-thinking approach to financial management, leveraging new technologies and data-driven strategies to enhance financial operations and outcomes.

The essential functions of the position include support of UNM’s 2040 One University Goal; overall mission and goals; policy and standards; organizational structure; strategic financial issues; contractual obligations; leadership and direction; system development projects; asset and fund management; institutional planning; legislative representation and branch campus oversight.

Expectations for the position include providing innovative leadership to strategically align the division with the University’s strategic plan, building and nurturing effective communication, collaborating with multiple partners across campus, leveraging technology, and supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and equitable opportunities. Prospective candidates can review the Leadership Profile.

UNM’s search committee, announced recently, will be chaired by Health & Health Sciences Vice President for Finance and Administration Rebecca Napier. The search committee is charged with recruiting, evaluating and referring candidates who are exceptionally talented and diverse. The position will be widely advertised with the goal of generating a diverse pool of strong leaders with varied backgrounds. WittKieffer will assist UNM in the search.

Applications must include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. In their cover letter, candidates are encouraged to showcase their strong dedication to UNM's mission, values, institution, and state. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. To ensure full consideration, candidate materials should be received by Aug. 4, 2025.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Werner Boel, LL.M. or Ashlee Musser at UNMController@wittkieffer.com

For more information, visit UNM’s Executive Search website under University Controller.

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UNM Controller Norma Allen announces retirement

Steve Carr — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:34:00 GMT

After more than 25 years of dedicated service and leadership at The University of New Mexico, University Controller Norma Allen has announced her retirement effective Sept. 30, 2025.

Allen's career spans over 28 years in professional accounting, encompassing roles in both the private and public sectors across various industries, including entertainment, healthcare and higher education. But it’s her 25 years at UNM that stand out—a professional career marked by integrity, innovation and a commitment to excellence.

Allen began her UNM career in Financial Services in 2000, establishing herself as a leader with knowledge of budgeting, finance, and enterprise systems. Her path through the Office of Planning, Budget, and Analysis (OPBA) was equally impactful. Starting as a UNM Budgets Administrator in 2006, she rose to associate director in 2008 and was named director in 2017, overseeing vital functions such as budget operations, institutional reporting, capital investments, and debt service. In 2018, she was nominated as a UNM outstanding supervisor.

In January 2022, Allen was appointed University Controller, leading the University’s vast Financial Services operations. Under her guidance, the department supported critical areas including accounting, payroll, taxation, procurement, risk services, financial reporting, and finance systems management, touching virtually every corner of campus operations.

Allen also played a key role in aligning Financial Services with UNM’s 2040 strategic goals, particularly around financial planning and business transformation. Highlighting Allen’s leadership was the launch of the UNM Ambassador program, a professional development initiative designed to grow future leaders and elevate financial literacy across campus.

“We have implemented many process improvements, financial forecasting tools, and a new professional development program, the UNM Ambassador program. Leaders from Financial Services and Health Sciences Center Finance & Administration created a program designed to help educate our staff and future leaders of the organization and UNM,” said Allen. “The UNM Ambassador Program is an 18-month program designed to help educate staff about the mission, operations, systems, processes, and organization of Financial Services (Central Campus and HSC) and the University.”

The program equips staff to advocate for and educate others about Financial Services and the University. Each month, participants listen to guest speakers from Financial Services and other departments across the University. At the conclusion of the program, participants present a proposal for a process improvement or training enhancement project to the UNM Ambassador Committee. The first cohort completed the program in June 2025.

Beyond the spreadsheets and budgets, Allen is also known for the meaningful relationships she’s built with colleagues across campus.

“UNM is filled with wonderful people who are great to work with,” she said. “People here come together to solve problems and make things happen. We have outstanding faculty and staff, and it’s been an honor to be part of it.”

As she prepares for retirement, Allen looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren, continuing her long-time passion as a group fitness instructor, and staying active in her church community.

Allen holds a Master of Business Administration from Eastern New Mexico University (2022) and a BS in Accounting Control Systems from the University of North Texas (1992). She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

A national search will be conducted to fill Allen’s position. For more information, visit the Executive Search website under University Controller.

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EVPFA team cooks up employee engagement opportunities through service

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:30:00 GMT

As part of their commitment to both employee engagement and giving back to the community, a group of volunteers from the Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration (EVPFA) recently spent time at the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of New Mexico at the Yale location on UNM’s North Campus, offering a helping hand to families with loved ones seeking treatment at The University of New Mexico Hospital.

Vice President for Institutional Support Services Shawna Wolfe prepares ingredients.

Home-cooked meals are one of the many ways patients and their families are supported and cared for at Ronald McDonald Houses. The team, who were that night’s "Guest Chefs," included Teresa Costantinidis, Duane Arruti, Sidney Mason-Coon, Carla Prando Domenici, Jeremy Hamlin, Casey Hall, Cenissa Martinez, Byron Piatt, Joe Silva, Kevin Stevenson and Shawna Wolfe. They planned the menu, shopped for ingredients, and prepared a delicious meal for more than 70 people – both patients and their families. The team's efforts extended beyond cooking; they also brought snacks to replenish the house's supplies.

Micheala Wood, volunteer & program coordinator for RMHC New Mexico, highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Guest Chef program. "It's a very large help to Ronald McDonald House,” she said, “specifically because it alleviates our budget for one night and allows staff to spend more time with patients. And an expansive menu like this group has prepared, that's not something that we'd regularly be able to provide for families."

The menu featured a flavorful spread of chicken kabobs, rice, fresh salad, rolls, and a sweet finish with strawberry shortcake—an offering designed to nourish both body and spirit. Wood also noted that the Guest Chef program is popular among patients and their families, saying that they “eagerly anticipate these special meals, looking out for the little guest chef hat symbol on the menus.”

"By working together outside of our usual office environment, we're not only strengthening our bonds as colleagues but also tapping into our shared desire to make a positive impact,” said Teresa Costantinidis, executive vice president for Finance and Administration, who was thrilled by the effort. “It's heartening to see our team come together, roll up their sleeves, and directly support families going through challenging times. These experiences foster a sense of purpose and connection that we can carry back into our daily work, ultimately enhancing our effectiveness as a division and our service to the university community.”

Chief Information Officer Duane Arruti prepares a kabob with chicken and vegetables.

The EVPFA team's volunteering efforts are indeed a great example of how employees can make a meaningful impact on their community while working together as a team. By participating in such activities, employees not only give back to the community but also strengthen interdepartmental relationships.

Sidney Mason-Coon, University Policy Officer, reflected on the experience, saying, "Being able to get together with the people we work with on a daily basis in a different way allows us to get to know each other better and strengthens our individual relationships. Coming together to support our own community was the icing on the cake." This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve employee engagement within the EVPFA.

The Yale Ronald McDonald House is the first House built in New Mexico, providing overnight stays to 31 families each night as they seek lifesaving treatments at local area hospitals. The House guest rooms provide safe and comfortable spaces for families to rest and recharge together following long days at the hospital. More than a roof over their heads, these accommodations relieve families of the stresses of finding a place to stay while far from home and allow parents to be stronger partners in their children’s critical care.

For those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at RMHC of New Mexico, contact them at (505) 842-8960 or via email at volunteer@rmhc-nm.org.

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