
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920
cgonzal@unm.edu
Sept. 7, 2006
Hispanic Business Ranks UNM's Law School Number
UNM School of Medicine is ranked four, School of Engineering, 10
The University of New Mexico School of Law is ranked the number one law school for Hispanics, according to Hispanic Business Magazine, as published in its September issue.
UNM's School of Law total graduate enrollment is 360, of which 87 are Hispanic, representing 24 percent. UNM awarded 98 J.D. degrees, of those 26 were awarded to Hispanics, representing 27 percent of graduates.
The article specifies that the school is known for its small classes, easy student-faculty interaction, and special programs in clinical, Native American, natural resources and international law. The UNM School of Law has a population that reflects the diverse Hispanic heritage of New Mexico . It offers minority career fairs, Hispanic mock trial competitions, and programs sponsored by the national and local Hispanic Bar Associations and the State Bar of New Mexico.
“Students can broaden their law school experience with a dual-degree program in law and Latin American Studies, a summer exchange in Guanajuato , Mexico , or take a class in ‘Spanish for Lawyers.' UNM's Mexican American Law Student Association (MALSA) chapter was named the Law Student Organization of the Year by the Hispanic National Bar Association for bringing awareness to issues facing the Hispanic community and for its dedication to furthering the education of Hispanic students,” the article said.
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine is ranked fourth, and is noted for its sustained history of recruitment and retention of underrepresented students.
The total graduate enrollment at the UNM School of Medicine is 390, of those, 158 are Hispanic, or 41 percent. UNM awarded 68 medical doctorates, of those, 17 were to Hispanics, or 25 percent.
“The cultural and ethnic programs and the Hispanic and Native American Center of Excellence promote the medical education and career development of students, residents, and faculty. The Association for the Advancement of Minorities in Medicine (AAMM) and the Minority Women in Medicine (MWIM) are organizations that offer supportive environments for Hispanic and other underrepresented students. The AAMM provides students with informal tutoring and familiarizes them with career choice issues as well as the current political and social-economic realities of the profession,” the article said.
The University of New Mexico School of Engineering made the list at number 10. The article noted that UNM's student body and the demographics of the School of Engineering reflect diversity.
The UNM School of Engineering graduate enrollment is 654, with 69 being Hispanic, or 11 percent. The total number of postgraduate degrees awarded is 176, with 15, or 9 percent going to Hispanics.
“The Multicultural Engineering Program is designed to support students from diverse heritages to excel. Free mentoring services, one-on-one advising, special scholarship opportunities, professional development workshops, and a computer lab are available,” the article states.
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