The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

 


Media Contact : Susan McKinsey, 277-1989
mckinsey@unm.edu

May 16, 2006

UNM Names Interim to head Facilities Management

University of New Mexico Acting President David Harris has announced the appointment of Mary Kenney as interim associate vice president for Facilities Management. Kenney has been the associate director of Facility Planning for the UNM Health Sciences Center and was recently appointed director of Planning and Programming for the university. She will start her new position immediately.

Kenney replaces Steve Beffort who was recently appointed to the new position of Associate Vice President for Business Development and Auxiliary Services. Beffort will continue to oversee UNM's involvement in the Mesa del Sol project in addition to taking responsibility for UNM's auxiliary services like parking and the bookstore.

In her new position of associate vice president for facilities management, Kenney will be responsible for integrating all facilities-related functions across the university so that facilities meet the needs of a growing university.

“The recent bond issue provides the university with the resources to significantly improve its capital assets. The major construction projects underway will be a considerable undertaking and will engage the entire university community,” said Harris.

“Mary brings a strong planning background and outstanding management skills. I am pleased we found an internal candidate with such wonderful qualifications.”

Kenney has held positions of director of facility management, director of HSC clinical facilities planning, project manager and assistant hospital planner. She graduated with distinction with a master's degree in Community and Regional Planning and a Masters of Arts in Public Administration, both from UNM. She holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from Michigan State University.

As interim associate vice president, Kenney will serve as the senior administrator responsible for providing strategic leadership, coordination and integration of all facilities-related functions across the university, including main campus, the health sciences center and the branches. She will oversee the operations of the physical plant department, facilities planning and real estate.

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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

www.unm.edu