University of New Mexico

University of New Mexico Overview

The University of New Mexico (UNM), situated in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a renowned public research institution. With its founding dating back to 1889 by the New Mexico Territorial Legislature, UNM has emerged as the state's second-oldest university. As one of the two flagship universities in New Mexico, it boasts a student enrollment of over 25,400 in 2021, marking it as the largest in the state.

UNM's academic landscape encompasses twelve colleges and schools, including distinguished offerings such as a medical school and New Mexico's sole law school. The university provides a comprehensive array of academic programs, with a total of 215 degree and certificate options, among which are 94 baccalaureate, 71 master, and 37 doctoral degrees. UNM's vibrant main campus sprawls over 800 acres in central Albuquerque, supplemented by branch campuses in Gallup, Los Alamos, Rio Rancho, Taos, and Los Lunas.

Acknowledged for its "very high research activity" by the Carnegie Classification, UNM's research endeavors remain notable. In 2021, it invested over $243 million in research and development, earning the institution a ranking of 103rd in the U.S. UNM also holds the distinction of being classified as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, with nearly half of its students identifying as Hispanic.

UNM's athletic teams, the Lobos, participate in NCAA Division I and are recognized members of the Mountain West Conference. The university's official colors are cherry and silver, and it boasts an extensive network of approximately 200,000 alumni worldwide.

Over the years, UNM has witnessed substantial growth, with expanding enrollments and innovative facilities. Noteworthy developments include the expansion of the medical center, business school, and engineering school during the 1980s. In the 1990s, UNM established an Honors College and enhanced its infrastructure with new buildings. The university has demonstrated a commitment to diversity, with a significant representation of Hispanic and Native American students and faculty.

UNM's dedication to excellence continued into the 21st century, with expansions and renovations in medical facilities and engineering centers. The university's innovative collaborations extend to unique partnerships, including a Signature School Program with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 2016, enabling students to engage with analysts and explore potential careers at the CIA.

In recent times, UNM has played a vital role in contributing to New Mexico's burgeoning bioscience sector. Its health sciences and biomedical engineering programs have facilitated the launch of numerous health-related and tech startups. The university's focus on fostering technology startups aligns with its mission to drive innovation and collaboration with local, state, and federal entities.

UNM has received recognition for its academic prowess. U.S. News & World Report ranked UNM favorably among national and public universities. Several graduate programs within UNM have achieved high national rankings, including family medicine, nuclear engineering, and more.

The University of New Mexico Model United Nations (WAD) team stands out as a top-ranked team in the U.S., securing awards at prestigious international competitions. Their achievements underline UNM's commitment to fostering excellence beyond traditional academic pursuits.