State lawmakers praise, support UNM-Gallup’s growth

GALLUP, N.M. - State lawmakers praised the continued growth of The University of New Mexico-Gallup after the chancellor delivered updates about the branch campus to the New Mexico Interim Indian Affairs Committee on Friday, Aug. 2.

The committee had a three-day meeting in the northwest corner of the state, ending at UNM-Gallup's Student Services & Technology Center. This is the second year in a row that UNM-Gallup has hosted a meeting of the Interim Indian Affairs Committee.

"I'm happy to be hosting your meeting today," Chancellor Sabrina Ezzell said. "It's really nice to see all of you again. UNM-Gallup has a lot of great things going on."

Ezzell shared UNM-Gallup developments such as increased student enrollment, a career pathway partnership with the local school district, the opening of a new Native American Student Success Center, and more.

Legislators had the opportunity to ask questions, and some expressed their support for UNM-Gallup's growth and success. New Mexico state Rep. Patty Lundstrom, a Democrat who represents McKinley County, gave Ezzell high praise.

"Just for the benefit of the committee, I'd like to say that, from my experience, she has been the best director we've had here," Lundstrom said of Ezzell. "And I say that wholeheartedly."

Pathway partnership & increased enrollment

During her presentation, Ezzell reported that student enrollment has increased at UNM-Gallup for the past three years.

At the time of the committee meeting, enrollment for the Fall 2024 semester was up 8% compared to the same time last year, but Ezzell expects that number to reach at least 10% when final enrollment numbers are reported.

Ezzell also expects to see continued growth thanks to a new collaboration with the Gallup-McKinley County Schools Pathways program. Starting in the Fall 2024 semester, UNM-Gallup will admit 90 GMCS students into the health career pathway.

The pathway program is designed to give high schools students a jumpstart on their higher education journey in their field of interest. The health care pathway is aimed at increasing the number of students who pursue careers as nurses, physicians and other positions in allied health care fields.

In the Fall 2025 semester, UNM-Gallup will admit 90 GMCS students into the digital media program. The following year, in the Fall 2026 semester, UNM-Gallup will admit 90 more students into the engineering pathway to increase the number of students pursuing careers in STEM fields.

Native American Student Success Center

Ezzell announced that UNM-Gallup is working on opening a new Native American Student Success Center in the Fall 2024 semester.

The Native American Student Success Center is made possible by a five-year $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution program.

UNM-Gallup was designated as a Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution in 2023. Native American students make up approximately 67% of UNM-Gallup's total student population.

Ezzell said the funding will allow UNM-Gallup to hire a case manager to connect students with basic needs resources in the community, such as mental health counseling, food and housing.

"I'm so happy that you're providing the Native American services center," Rep. D. Wonda Johnson, a Democrat who represents McKinley and San Juan counties, said. "Yesterday, we were in Sheep Springs and we had four or five students who are doing the workforce program. And just to continue to encourage your students to reach out and attain an education or career or vocation - it's hard because look how far we had to drive to Sheep Springs and the surrounding areas. So I just want to appreciate all of your work. I support you."

In other news

Ezzell also shared the following updates during her report:

• With the help of funding from the New Mexico Higher Education Department's Research and Public Service Projects program, UNM-Gallup is in the process of hiring new faculty for the licensed practical nurse program. RPSP funding will also help UNM-Gallup to improve recruitment and retention for the teacher education program. A new RPSP request is seeking funds for a teaching position in the community health worker program.
• The UNM-Gallup non-credit program is being revamped under the leadership of Ashlee Velasquez, the recently hired director of the Workforce Development and Community Education program. The program will incorporate training and development opportunities based on the needs of community employers.
• UNM-Gallup recently responded to a request for proposals from the New Mexico Department of Transportation. If selected, UNM-Gallup would provide training for commercial driver's license and heavy equipment operation.
• Middle College High School, a charter school operating on the UNM-Gallup campus, has begun construction of a new building near the intersection of College Drive and Gurley Avenue. When Middle College High moves into the new building, UNM-Gallup will be able to provide more space in Gurley Hall for student services.
• McKinley Academy, a GMCS dual-enrollment program that also operates on the UNM-Gallup campus, is in the planning phase of a new $23 million building. It will be located near the intersection of College Drive and Vo-Tech Drive to the south of the Student Services & Technology Center.
• Renovation has begun for the welding, automotive technology and construction technology spaces on the north end of Gurley Hall. This project was made possible by the approval of General Obligation Bond 3 in 2020.
• Planning has begun for the renovation of the south end of Gurley Hall to improve the student experience and expand spaces for student services. This project was made possible by the approval of GO Bond 3 in 2022.
• GO Bond 3 will be on the November 2024 General Election ballot, asking voters to support funding for higher education institutions throughout the state without raising taxes. If approved, it would provide $4 million to UNM-Gallup to renovate the fine arts department inside Gurley Hall.

"Thank you so much, chancellor, for your presentation," Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero said. "It was very uplifting to hear about growth and expansion for the betterment of our students. That's exactly what we aim for, so I appreciate that."