On May 28, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller took several University of New Mexico deans on a tour of Downtown to explore the possibility of a campus in the city’s core.
Keller said it’s a game-changing move that would expand academic programs and connect students to real-world learning, while bringing new energy, activity and investment to Downtown. It’s “a hopeful step forward for UNM and Albuquerque,” he said. The Chamber has supported this project as it promises to revitalize Downtown on many levels.
In February, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Keller and UNM President Garnett S. Stokes solidified the collaboration between the city and university to evaluate potential locations, identify academic program opportunities and determine the feasibility of a Downtown campus expansion.
“By exploring how to expand UNM’s footprint into Downtown Albuquerque, we’re reimagining how a modern urban university can serve its community,” Stokes said in February. “This expansion would put our students at the center of business innovation, cultural activity and civic life – creating unprecedented opportunities for hands-on learning and career development while helping drive Downtown’s renaissance.”
Keller said Arizona State brought new life and development to downtown Phoenix, and his administration is ready to help UNM yield similar results in Albuquerque.
Under the agreement, UNM will evaluate academic program needs, infrastructure requirements and community impact, while engaging faculty, students and community stakeholders in the planning process.