University of New Mexico Provost and EVP for Academic Affairs James P. Holloway has named College of Education and Human Sciences (COEHS) Associate Dean Kristopher Goodrich as interim dean of the College effective Dec. 16, 2022.
“I am enormously pleased to appoint Professor Goodrich to lead the UNM College of Education and Human Sciences as we approach the spring semester," said Holloway. "He has extensive experience in the rich complexities and opportunities of COEHS, and proven administrative and leadership skills. Feedback from the COEHS community and from the search advisory committee demonstrated the tremendous support of his colleagues. I look forward to working with Kris to further realize the richness of COEHS in support of our students and of our state.”
Goodrich came to UNM as an assistant professor in the Counselor Education Program in 2010. He was named associate professor in 2015, and full professor in 2019. He went on to serve as interim chair of the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy in 2020, as well as serving as Chair of the Department of Individual, Family, and Community Education from 2018 – 2021. Most recently, Goodrich has been in the role of associate dean for Research and Distance Education.
“It is truly an honor to serve as interim dean for the College of Education and Human Sciences. I look forward to working with our amazing faculty, staff and students in this new role as we work to respond to our state’s need for a diverse and robust educator and professional pipeline.”Expanding excellence in education is a top priority for Goodrich. “The State of New Mexico has invested millions of dollars in the COEHS in the last year through teacher residencies, faculty endowments, as well as through specialized programs specifically attending to Native American educator pipeline, mental health support and services, as well as the educational leadership pipeline,” he said. “It is critical for our College to deliver on the promises we made in seeking this funding to bolster the educator and school-based mental health workforce.”
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. He is also a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico, a nationally certified counselor, an approved clinical supervisor, and a nationally certified gambling counselor. His research explores the experiences of LGBTQI+ persons, and how we can train counselors to more effectively work with the LGBTQI+ populations.
As a lifelong servant leader, Goodrich will place an emphasis on the development and support of the faculty and mentoring. He also plans to lean into his statewide professional relationships to reaffirm the strength and commitment of the College to all its supporters and to all New Mexicans.