A Publication of
the University
of New Mexico
Foundation, Inc.
| The University of New Mexico |
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A Publication of the University of New Mexico Foundation, Inc. |
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The University of New Mexico's locale is unique for a variety of reasons: its stunning pueblo-styled architecture, its high-desert environment and agreeable climate, and the cultural diversity of the academic and non-academic communities it serves. Dr. Brian Foster, provost and vice president for academic affairs, believes location is the heart of UNM's strategic planning. The plan, he predicts, will raise the University to a level of national and international prominence that will set it apart from other public higher education institutions. Foster guided the Strategic Planning Task Force, a group that represented UNM's immediate community as well as interested off-campus parties. For 18 months the group discussed issues affecting UNM's future, including its rising-star status in research. Foster can't pinpoint the moment when the task force members identified the common thread in their ideas. However, it became clear early on that advantages relating to location are what set UNM apart from other universities. The basic values influencing the University's academic planning, which, among others, include creativity and initiative, excellence, integrity and professionalism, may be common to many higher learning institutions. But it's UNM's "strategic advantages" that give the academic structure a quality as distinctive as the pueblo architecture of the area. "The strategic advantages that define opportunities to realize the University's vision and mission are related to UNM's location," Foster says. "UNM is in a place where people want to be… a place of mythic status." The potential for building on this quality, and using it to lure even more successful people and programs, is obvious. "It's no accident that we have such wonderful accomplishments in the areas our strategic advantages describe," stresses Foster. Just what are these six strategic advantages? First, the University's diverse demographic profile allows UNM to create an exceptionally rich learning environment, characterized by a wealth of different ideas considered from a multitude of perspectives. UNM's population represents a wide range of cultures, including people of Native American, South American and European descents. Next, Foster thinks UNM must explore the unique possibilities for exchange that stem from its being near the international border with Mexico. He believes the associated cultural, political, historical, economic and social interactions provide a strong foundation for a genuinely international agenda. "It's important that we share so much across an international border -- culturally, historically, linguistically, artistically, religiously," says Foster. Third, UNM has proximity to some of the most internationally prominent scientific communities, namely the prestigious Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory. This gives UNM a chance to collaborate within the fields of science and engineering, benefiting education and research. "A lot of what matters in our programs, things that do matter in the world of science and engineering, are related to our links to the labs." Whereas the University's connection with the labs previously has been based on relationships between individuals, Foster sees a need to grow into a closer institutional relationship to maintain continuity in programs with them. Foster also enthusiastically points out the fourth strategic advantage: existing in an area known around the world for its art. New Mexico boasts a rich artistic tradition, providing unique avenues for research and creative activity, as well as educational programs in the arts and humanities. UNM alone supports many excellent museums in the campus area and throughout the state, including the renowned Harwood Museum in Taos. In addition, the UNM area geology lends itself to certain fields. The region is a natural laboratory for water issues, conservation, and the study of climate dynamics. High desert, surrounding mountains and the Rio Grande Valley provide an ideal setting for research in the fields of environmental and health issues. The University has blazed new trails in many of these areas, adding to its status as a leading research facility. Lastly, people want to live in New Mexico. The state's rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscape and pleasant climate attract many scholars, students, artists, businesses and others. According to New Mexico's Department of Economic Development, the state has the fastest growing labor force in the nation, ranking 10th in percentage of population with advanced degrees. Moreover, Albuquerque ranks seventh among the nation's top technology centers. The National Science Foundation ranks New Mexico first in the nation for research and development intensity. Foster is betting on the University of New Mexico becoming a catalyst for global awareness and exchange. He's also betting that UNM will take the lead as an internationally based research and educational resource in a wide variety of fields. Ultimately, Foster admits, "We're going to have to be selective. We're going to have to make our statement in areas that make sense to us. And that's going to be in these areas that relate to place."
UNM
Foundation Inc. 505-277-4503 Copyright
© 2006 The University of New Mexico. |
Spring 2002 |
