When the design team for UNM’s new Humanities & Social Sciences Complex (HSSC) sought to understand Pueblo Revival style, they didn’t simply study examples like UNM’s Zimmerman Library. They traveled to Bandelier National Monument and Acoma Pueblo to explore the architectural forms that have influenced UNM’s campus for more than a century.

Architects from Studio Tsien of New York City and SMPC Architects of Albuquerque spent a long weekend studying the solid walls, carved openings and materials characteristic of Pueblo tradition.

Jennifer Malat, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, praised this deep engagement during a presentation to college faculty and staff. She noted “how carefully they have listened to what we have told them, how much they are invested and care about our traditions in New Mexico and what it means to build here, and what deep appreciation they have for the humanities.”

The old Humanities building was completed in 1974.

The building is designed not only to house academic units but also to help students find their path and pursue it. Linguistics students, for example, will benefit from the ground-floor Language Learning Center, dedicated Navajo and Signed Language classrooms, and modern language labs. American Studies and philosophy students will find faculty office spaces designed for conversation and informal gathering. And every UNM student will be able to use HSSC’s community “living room” as a place to think, work, collaborate or simply spend time between classes.

The University of New Mexico, UNM Sports Properties and Nusenda Credit Union (Nusenda) have announced a 10-year partnership that will provide an average annual value of $1.74 million in support of UNM Athletics.

As part of the agreement, University Arena—The Pit will carry the name The Pit—Powered by Nusenda, preserving the iconic identity of one of college basketball’s most storied venues while recognizing Nusenda’s longstanding investment in the University and the state. The agreement is subject to final board approval.

“For more than four decades, Nusenda has been a trusted partner of our University. This expanded commitment reflects not only the strength of that relationship, but a shared belief in the importance of investing in student-athletes and sustaining one of New Mexico’s most visible community institutions,” said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. “We are grateful for Nusenda’s continued confidence in UNM and in the role we play across our state.”

The naming of The Pit represents the most visible expression of a relationship that began in 1985. Over that time, Nusenda has invested nearly $7 million in University initiatives, including the UNM Center for Financial Capability, UNM Rainforest and Innovate ABQ, the UNM Wireless Project, the Nusenda Lobo Landing branch in the Student Union Building, and philanthropic commitments to UNM Hospital and Popejoy Hall.

“We are thrilled to enter into this historic partnership between two of New Mexico’s most identifiable brands—the University of New Mexico Lobos and Nusenda Credit Union,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Berryman. “In this era of collegiate athletics, sustained excellence requires collective investment. This agreement provides meaningful operating support for our programs while honoring the tradition and legacy of The Pit. I hope that our community will be inspired by what is possible through The Power of We.”

Nusenda is led by President and CEO Michelle Dearholt, a two-time UNM graduate. Originally founded in 1936 as Albuquerque Public Schools Federal Credit Union, Nusenda is now the largest credit union in New Mexico in both assets and membership.

“This partnership is more than putting our name on a building. For more than 40 years, we’ve supported UNM students, faculty and families with resources that strengthen their financial well-being,” Dearholt said. “From our Lobo Landing branch to funding the Center for Financial Capability on campus, each step has been about deepening our relationship and creating opportunities. The Pit—Powered by Nusenda is the next chapter in our journey, and one that allows us to celebrate Lobo pride while investing in our student-athletes. As a local, trusted financial institution for 90 years, we know the community’s history and needs, and we’re proud to support the fans and the future of the Lobo family.”

At The University of New Mexico, research is not an abstract pursuit confined to laboratories. It is a public good that strengthens communities, grows the economy, improves health and prepares the next generation of New Mexico’s workforce.

Guided by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), UNM’s research enterprise is built on a simple belief: research is education. Students learn by doing, faculty innovate with purpose, and communities are active partners in shaping solutions to real-world challenges, from public health and water security to energy transition and disaster resilience. As one of New Mexico’s R1 research universities, UNM plays a vital role in transforming discovery into solutions benefiting taxpayers across all 33 counties.

“It is crucial that all New Mexicans recognize what an R1 designation means to the state. It’s the highest level of research activity because that’s where investment begins,” said Fisher. “What UNM researchers do in our classrooms, labs and in the field directly impacts the lives of all New Mexicans, whether you live in Las Cruces or up north in Taos.”

In fiscal year 2025, the University reported $389 million in research expenditures, supported 1,625 student researchers, received 1,590 awards, and produced more than 3,250 scholarly publications. These investments support high-skill jobs, attract federal and private dollars to New Mexico, and help retain top talent in the state.

Innovation is central to this ecosystem. Over the past decade, UNM researchers have disclosed more than 1,100 inventions, filed 823 U.S. patents, and executed more than 500 license and option agreements. Between 2021 and 2025, UNM helped launch 36 startup companies and now has 83 active startups spanning bioscience, advanced energy, aerospace and defense, agriculture and water technology, and quantum systems. These companies translate university research into commercial solutions—expanding New Mexico’s innovation economy.

“Many of our research projects have collaborators from national labs or industry partners. In other spaces, our students receive hands-on training with direct access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and research environments that prepare them to use the types of systems common in industry,” said Fisher.

For legislators and taxpayers, UNM’s research enterprise represents a clear return on public investment. It attracts federal dollars, prepares students for high-demand careers, supports rural and urban communities alike, and positions New Mexico as a leader in addressing future challenges.

The University of New Mexico Hospital’s Critical Care Tower (CCT) opened last October. Patients will be cared for using some of the most advanced medical technology available. Every floor features art, natural sunlight, and teams of health professionals ready to help.

The CCT includes an expanded Adult Emergency Department with 68 new beds; 96 intensive care beds in total; a second helipad; a new surgical suite with 18 operating rooms; and some of the most advanced medical technology in the country.

As New Mexico’s largest teaching hospital, UNM Hospital ensured the CCT includes ample spaces for training and meetings. The Sky Campus level features several multipurpose rooms—available by checkout—to support students and trainees in educational settings. The level is named Sky Campus because it serves as an extension of the learning environment of the UNM Health Sciences Center.

“The UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower is the instrument for making sure that we have good rural health care delivery,” said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Whatever emergency comes our way, this campus, this university, this state will be ready.”

First proposed in 2015, the CCT was celebrated during a ribbon cutting ceremony a few days before opening. Addressing hundreds of engineers, construction workers, tradespeople and facilities professionals, UNM Hospital CEO Kate Becker praised their years of dedication that made the project possible.

“It’s been incredible to see all the pieces of the CCT come to life—from the installation of high tech medical equipment to the hanging of beautiful art pieces that now brighten the walls,” Becker said. “So many of you have worked incredibly hard to prepare the CCT for each other and for patients and their families. The opening of the Critical Care Tower is possible because of your commitment to improving health care services for all.”