University of New Mexico Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs James Holloway has named Kristopher M. Goodrich, as dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences (COEHS) effective Nov. 10, 2023.
“Kris Goodrich has been an impressive contributor to UNM and COEHS since his arrival here in 2010. I’ve been impressed by his work ever since I met him almost five years ago,” said UNM Provost James Holloway. “I am excited to have Kris take on the role of dean in COEHS and I look forward to seeing him lead the college to even greater contributions to our state.”
Goodrich takes the helm after serving as interim dean since Dec. 2022, and associate dean for Research and Distance Education beginning in Spring 2021.
“I feel honored to work with the faculty, staff, students and friends of the COEHS as the next Dean,” Goodrich said.
Goodrich’s service to UNM and its students has been unparalleled since 2010. Goodrich became assistant professor in the Counselor Education Program at that time, was later named associate professor in 2015, and full professor in 2019. He held the titles of interim chair of the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy as well as chair of the Department of Individual, Family, and Community Education Goodrich.
“The COEHS has long held deep connections across New Mexico’s diverse communities and is fully invested in serving the needs of the children, families and communities throughout the state,” Goodrich said. “With education, mental health and well-being as our central foci, the COEHS is well positioned to empower transformational, impactful and responsive change in New Mexico and beyond through our faculty’s high-quality scholarship, service, and education of the next generation of leaders.”
Along the way, Goodrich has spearheaded numerous research projects focused on the welfare of classrooms, teachers, parents, students and beyond. He has been a part of 73 different peer-reviewed publications, as well as a number of book contributions, presentations, and non-peer reviewed pieces.
This does not even begin to span the sheer volume of professional organizations he has led or been a member of, the honors he’s received or the lives he’s helped.
His research explores the experiences of LGBTQI+ persons, and how we can train counselors to work more effectively with LGBTQI+ populations. His dedication to the mental and physical condition of the LGBTQI+, COEHS and the greater New Mexico communities are one of the many admirable qualities which has led his professional career. Goodrich is also a certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor and National Certified Gambling Counselor.
Goodrich has big plans for the COEHS, including engaging the College in strategic planning to align its mission, vision and future activities to UNM’s 2040 goals.
It’s a big college with a lot of moving parts and departments, but every corner of it is thrilled to have Goodrich officially take on the roles and responsibilities as dean.
“The appointment of a regular dean will bring much-needed stability and a resilient work environment to the College of Education and Human Sciences. With his knowledge about the state and investment in COEHS matters, I believe Dean Goodrich will lead the college to reach its next level of excellence. I wish him well and support his efforts to make COEHS a destination for learning and scholarly engagement,” Department of Individual, Family and Community Education Chair Ziarat Hossain said.
“Dean Goodrich will continue to be a great asset to the college, university, and the State of New Mexico. He has a strong understanding of the needs and strengths of the college and has consistently been an advocate for students and families across the state,” Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy Chair Cheryl Torrez said.
“I am grateful to Dean Goodrich for leading our college. He has supported the ongoing important work and exciting new initiatives across our departments. I look forward to working with Dean Goodrich in the upcoming years to address critical issues in our state,” Department of Special Education Chair Yen Pham said.
Goodrich has a B.A. in Psychology from Siena College, an M.S. in Student Affairs Counseling from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Syracuse University.