It could be a book. It could be an article. It could be a play. It could be a piece of music.

More than 75 published works from University of New Mexico academics ranging from pathology to political science were featured during the annual Published Professor Reception on May 1 at University House.

The reception featured submitted works that were published during 2024, with the goal being to show the breadth and depth of academic activity at UNM. The event also featured remarks from President Garnett Stokes and Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs James Holloway.

"This is the reason so many of us entered into this profession. We were captivated by ideas, moved by the power of knowledge and understanding, and excited by works of creativity and depth," Stokes said. "Each of your individual publications is a triumph - the result of long days, hard work, and keen insight. And taken collectively, they are a stunning mosaic of ideas."

Although the numbers of published materials coming out of the University on a yearly basis runs into the thousands, the intimate event at the president's residence brought together a sampling of the varied and eclectic mix of those who have published in the last year.

Gabe Gomez, who is a part-time instructor at UNM in marketing in addition to working as managing director of marketing and communications at the UNM Foundation, was one of those participants. His work, Samsara at Quantum Zeno, is his latest book of poetry, published by Mouthfeel Press in 2024. He also has authored two previous poetry collections.

"I started my career in the classroom - teaching at the University of New Orleans and Tulane University," he said. "Now, as a part-time instructor at the Anderson School of Management, this event is a great way to engage with the work of professors that I don't normally get to do with my position at the UNM Foundation."

Maria Lane, who is dean of the Graduate School and a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, felt it was a priority to participate in the Published Professors Reception. She is the author of Fluid Geographies: Water, Science, and Settlement in New Mexico, published by University of Chicago Press.

"I love it that UNM celebrates publication of books and major creative works," she said. "I spent 17 years researching and writing my book, so it's really nice for it to be honored! I'm really proud of what I wrote, and I look forward to celebrating with the scholarly community."

The callout for participants in next year's event will be distributed in early 2026 for works published in 2025.

The event was jointly organized by the Office of the President and the Office of Academic Affairs.

Top photo: Some of the published academics at UNM show off their works at the Published Professors Reception at University House.