University of New Mexico Associate Vice President for Institutional Support Services, Chris Vallejos, has announced his retirement effective Oct. 31, 2020. Vallejos has been a lifetime Lobo, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the Anderson School of Management and starting his career at UNM in 1986.
In his 34 years at UNM, Vallejos held various positions across multiple departments, including the Controller’s Office and central administration, with his longest time spent in the VP Office for Institutional Support Services (ISS). Vallejos has been the Associate Vice President for ISS since July 1, 2010. Currently he oversees 15 departments – including auxiliary enterprises, facilities and utilities management, and real estate and commercial development – with over 650 full-time staff and an annual operating budget of approximately $130 million.
“I am grateful for the University of New Mexico to lend me many opportunities as a student and administrator. I will miss all the talented and wonderful people at UNM,” Vallejos said. “UNM is a great organization and my experience over the years has been exceptional!”
Vallejos started his career at UNM as a student employee in Inventory Control, and after graduating, worked for Property Management as an accountant. When he started at Auxiliary Enterprises (now called VP Office for Institutional Support Services) in 2000, his primary responsibility was to provide financial oversight and strategic management over the business enterprise units. Since 2014 and under his leadership, ISS auxiliary units have contributed over $10.5 million to UNM’s operating budget to support the academic mission.
“I have worked on many significant projects throughout my career,” said Vallejos, “but the credit goes to all the team members I collaborated with on those projects.”
Vallejos has been an active member of various professional and community organizations, including the Popejoy Hall Board of Directors and Lobo Development Corporation Board, both in which he has served as treasurer. He has also served on the KNME Board of Directors and various task forces and committees. In the community, Vallejos volunteers his time as a mentor and board member with Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving in multiple leadership roles, most recently as board president in 2017/2018 and past president in 2019/2020.
“It has been a true pleasure working with Chris during my tenure at UNM. His extensive knowledge of the university, financial expertise, and strong leadership skills in leading Institutional Support Services for the past ten years have made such a difference to this institution,” said Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration Teresa Costantinidis. “His contributions to our organization have been immeasurable.”
“I have enjoyed working with so many amazing staff and administrators,” said Vallejos. “UNM has been a big part of my life and I am grateful for having the opportunity to serve The University the last 34 years.”
With Vallejos’ retirement announcement, Costantinidis said that she does not plan to replace the position. Instead, Vallejos’ responsibilities will be reallocated within ISS and an announcement regarding these changes will be coming soon.
