University of New Mexico President Garnett S. Stokes will deliver her State of the University address on the same date that marks her 200th day in office.

The State of the University Address is Monday, Sept. 17 from 12 to 1 p.m. in the UNM Student Union Building, Ballroom C.

“It is clear that we have much to celebrate, but we also must acknowledge the very real challenges we still face,” Stokes said. “Long-term success requires thoughtful, strategic planning. We have an opportunity, together, to build on previous and current successes while reevaluating our institutional goals and strategies.”

President Stokes will reflect on her first 200 days at the helm, successes and opportunities. She will also give a recap of her Statewide Listening Tour, including the ways in which UNM truly is the University for New Mexico.

State of the University Address


Monday, Sept. 17

12 to 1 p.m.

SUB Ballroom C

Stokes took office as UNM's 23rd president on March 1, 2018. Prior to taking the position, she was the provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Missouri. She served as interim president, as well as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, at Florida State University, a public research university in Tallahassee.

For those unable to attend the Stokes’ State of the University address in-person, it will be live-streamed on the UNM Facebook page.

In addition to the speech, several events and symposia have been planned throughout the week. The events are open to the public and will showcase the excellent research and teaching that UNM is known for, and celebrate the students, staff and faculty who define The University of New Mexico.

Schedule of Events
Monday, 9/17 | SUB Ballroom C | 12 – 1 p.m.  
President’s State of the University Address 

Tuesday, 9/18 | SUB Ballroom A | 12 – 1 p.m. 
Lobo Bites: hear a student sound bite, eat a small lunch bite, and experience the breadth of scholarship offered in UNM's graduate programs.

Exploring Snail Immunology Using the Common Garden Snail 
Erin L. Watson-Chappell | Biology

Resistance and Assimilation in Post-Annexation New Mexico: The Forgotten Works of Felipe M. Chacon
Debra Nieto | Spanish & Portuguese

Highly Accurate Simulations of Turbulent Mixing Layers
Juan Diego Colmenares Fernandez | Mechanical Engineering

Signs of Music: How Does Music Mean?
Matthew Stanley | Music

Tackling a Tumor Gone Rogue: Can We OVARcome Overian Cancer?
Cristabelle De Souza | Cancer Biology

Characterization of Bacterial Impairment along the Rio Grande near Albuquerque 
James Fluke | Civil Engineering

'This is What Crazy Looks Like’: Instagram and Mental Health Narratives
Camille Velarde | Communication

Using Design Challenges to Develop Professional Identity   
Jordan O. James | Organization, Information & Learning Sciences

Thursday, 9/20
Faculty Focus
5:30 p.m. | Alumni Chapel | Enjoy cider and donuts 

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Alumni Chapel | Musical performance by Pamela Pyle, piano, and David Felberg, violin, followed by faculty speakers:

The Evolution of Mountain Medicine
Jason Williams | director, International Mountain Medicine Center, Department of Emergency Medicine

Next Generation of Smart Materials for Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure
Mahmoud Reda Taha | Distinguished Professor and chair, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

Making Amends: The New Politics of Global Reparations
Kathy Powers | associate professor, Department of Political Science
7 – 8 p.m. | Maxwell Museum | Reception

Friday, 9/21
Campus Tour
4 – 5 p.m. | Alumni Chapel | Visit alumni celebration wall, Maxwell Museum, Hibben Center, Terrace Mall Rose Garden, Anthropology Annex, biology annex, Hodgin Hall (refreshments served here) “Tribute to Mother Earth Fountain,” & “Center of the Universe” art features, Duck Pond, Smith Plaza, Popejoy Art Museum.

Staff Reception with the President
7 p.m. | University Club