Fisher to retire in 2027 as vice president for research; nomination process for interim role announced

Ellen Fisher, who has served as vice president for research and economic development at The University of New Mexico since 2021, will be retiring from her role in the spring semester of 2027.

Nominations for the interim role, including self-nominations, are now being accepted through Nov. 20.

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Rodriguez said she has greatly appreciated the leadership, vision, and dedication that Fisher has brought to UNM during her years here.

"Her work has been transformative for our research enterprise and has strengthened our academic mission in countless ways," Rodriguez said. "During her years at UNM, Ellen has had a profound impact on our students, faculty, and the broader community. She will be missed, but her vision and leadership leaves UNM in a strong position going forward."

Among Fisher's accomplishments has been reimagining UNM's Grand Challenges program. Under her leadership, it is now a multi-level program uniting researchers, educators, students, and community members in solving challenges of critical importance to New Mexico, the nation and the world.

Fisher has also played a pivotal role in enhancing the research landscape at UNM with the addition of two new transdisciplinary research institutes, the Accelerating Resilience Innovations in Drylands (ARID) Institute and the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I).

Fisher said she is incredibly proud of what UNM has been able to accomplish, including the WeR1 faculty success programs, the establishment of Research & Discovery Week, and the creation of new research centers.

"My time at UNM has been nothing short of transformational, and as you can imagine, this is a bittersweet decision for me," Fisher wrote in her message to campus on Oct. 6. "Although it may seem like a short period of time, UNM has been extremely important to my professional life, and I will carry with me so many positive memories and lessons from my time here. I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together."

After departing UNM, Fisher will be focusing on expanding her team science consulting group, Divergent Science LLC.

Fisher oversees a large, active and diverse research enterprise at UNM. In fiscal year 2026, central and branch campus research expenditures reached $183,897 million, proposals totaled $456,032 million, and there were $230,995 million in awards.

Fisher, who also holds a faculty position as a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, joined UNM in February 2021 after serving as assistant vice president for strategic initiatives in the Office of the Vice President for Research at Colorado State University.

Fisher is a fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Vacuum Society (AVS). She is the recipient of the National Science Foundation CAREER award, was an Office of Naval Research Young Investigator, and received the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar award and the Plasma Prize from the AVS. In fall 2025, she was awarded the John A. Thorton Memorial Award from AVS.

Fisher received a bachelor's degree in chemistry and mathematics from Texas Lutheran University and a Ph.D. in physical-analytical chemistry from the University of Utah.

"I'm especially grateful for the support, partnership, and friendship of colleagues across the institution who have made this work both meaningful and rewarding," Fisher said. "It has truly been a privilege to serve the UNM research enterprise and its communities. Although it feels like the right time to begin this next chapter, I will always care deeply about UNM and the people who make it such a special place."

Rodriguez said nominees for the interim role should hold the rank of full professor on UNM's Albuquerque campus and have a strong record of scholarly achievement, academic leadership, and experience in research administration. Nominees should demonstrate the ability to support faculty research, advance externally funded research, and oversee research operations, compliance, and resources. Collaborative leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively across disciplines and campuses are essential.