UNM outlines strategic capital investments to strengthen New Mexico's workforce, healthcare and research future

Last Friday, The University of New Mexico presented a series of strategic capital priorities to the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) Capital Projects Committee highlighting infrastructure investments designed to expand educational capacity, strengthen healthcare training, modernize research facilities and position the state for long-term economic growth.

The presentations were part of the New Mexico Higher Education Department's annual Capital Outlay Summer Hearings, where colleges and universities present high-priority capital projects for consideration through the Higher Education Major Projects Fund. The Higher Education Major Projects Fund supports significant capital improvements at New Mexico's public colleges and universities, helping institutions modernize facilities, expand educational opportunities and strengthen the state's workforce and economy. The hearings help inform funding recommendations for the New Mexico Legislature and executive branch while supporting long-term planning for higher education infrastructure statewide.

"Preparing for the hearings is an institution-wide effort," said Shawna Wolfe, vice president for Campus Environments & Services. "Bringing together priorities from across our campuses, disciplines and administrative units allowed us to present a unified capital strategy that reflects our shared commitment to serving students, strengthening New Mexico's workforce and making strategic investments that will benefit our state for generations to come."

Rather than viewing infrastructure as simply buildings and construction projects, UNM framed its capital strategy around investments that directly advance the university's mission of education, research, healthcare and public service.

"Infrastructure is much more than bricks and mortar. It creates the environments where students learn, researchers innovate, patients receive care and communities connect," said UNM President Steve Goldstein. "When we invest wisely in our facilities, we strengthen the foundation for opportunity, discovery and service across New Mexico."

Goldstein said the university has organized its capital priorities into three strategic areas that align with the UNM 2040 Strategic Framework: Workforce Capacity Expansion, Student Life Experience, and Clinical Access and Technology.

"Our capital strategy is organized around a simple idea: every capital investment should advance our mission in meaningful and measurable ways," Goldstein said. "Together, these priorities demonstrate how strategic infrastructure investments support both the university's future and the future of our state."

Expanding workforce capacity

A significant portion of UNM's proposal focused on preparing more New Mexicans for high-demand careers by expanding teaching, laboratory and research capacity.

Among the university's highest priorities is modernization of aging STEM facilities that no longer adequately support current teaching and research needs. UNM's STEM infrastructure includes approximately 250,000 square feet of laboratory and instructional space, much of which requires modernization to accommodate enrollment growth, evolving research programs and emerging technologies.

The university also continues work on the Humanities and Social Sciences Complex, which will replace obsolete facilities with a modern, energy-efficient academic building featuring updated classrooms, research laboratories, collaborative learning environments and space for several academic departments. UNM is requesting supplemental funding to complete the project while preserving its educational scope.

Additional workforce investments include Phase II of the Taos Workforce Center at the Klauer Campus, further expanding educational and workforce training opportunities for northern New Mexico.

"Modern classrooms, laboratories and research facilities prepare New Mexicans for careers in healthcare, engineering, education, arts and humanities, water resources, clean energy and other fields that are vital to our state's economy," Goldstein said. "These investments expand educational capacity, accelerate innovation and strengthen partnerships with employers and communities throughout New Mexico."

Growing New Mexico's healthcare workforce

UNM also highlighted several Health Sciences projects designed to address the state's growing need for healthcare professionals while improving educational outcomes and patient care.

The university is seeking support to expand the Allied Health Foundational Sciences and Anatomy Center, creating additional anatomy laboratories and instructional space needed to train more healthcare professionals.

UNM also proposed creating an Integrated Student Success Center that would bring together advising and student support services for the School of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing and College of Population Health into a centralized, accessible location.

The university's broader clinical and technology strategy includes investments that support artificial intelligence, advanced research, simulation technologies and telehealth capabilities, strengthening both healthcare education and clinical care throughout New Mexico.

"By modernizing anatomy and instructional spaces, creating a centralized Student Success Center, and investing in the digital infrastructure needed for artificial intelligence, advanced research, simulation and telehealth, we are building the foundation for the next generation of healthcare education and patient care in New Mexico," Goldstein said.

Investing with intention

Although the hearings for UNM focused primarily on workforce capacity and clinical access, Goldstein noted that student life projects remain an essential component of UNM's long-term capital strategy and will be presented during a future hearing.

He said every proposed project shares a common purpose: creating infrastructure that advances opportunity and improves quality of life for New Mexicans.

"Across all three of these categories, the common thread is infrastructure with intention," Goldstein said. "Every project is designed to expand opportunity, strengthen our workforce, improve the student experience, enhance healthcare and ensure that UNM continues to serve New Mexico for generations to come."