The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
scarr@unm.edu

September 22, 2008

The University of New Mexico will host an Economic Development Focusing Workshop on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23-24 in the Rotunda at the UNM Science & Technology Park located at 801 University Blvd., S.E.

UNM President David J. Schmidly will convene approximately 30 leaders from across the university to talk about UNM’s role in supporting and fostering economic development in our state and region.

Workshop objectives include: understanding the history and current state of economic development activities at UNM; define UNM’s role in fostering and supporting economic development in New Mexico; clarify how UNM’s economic development role aligns with and furthers UNM’s mission and vision; and establish recommendations on an appropriate organizational structure to support UNM’s economic development activities.

UNM President David J. Schmidly will open the workshop on Tuesday with a welcome and a charge to the group beginning at 12 p.m. Tuesday’s sessions, which include a keynote address by Dr. Robert McKinley on the ‘Role of A Flagship University in Economic Development.’

Also included as part of Tuesday’s scheduled include an Overview of UNM’s Economic Impact presented by Lee Reynis, director, UNM’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research at 2 p.m. It will be followed by Panel Discussion #1 that begins at 2:45 p.m. titled, ‘What is already happening today at UNM that contributes to economic development?’

Panel Discussion #2, titled ‘What are ideas to think about for further enhancing UNM’s role in supporting and fostering economic development tomorrow?’ begins at 4 p.m.

On Wednesday the workshop continues with opening remarks and a review of Tuesday’s discussions slated for 8:30 a.m. It will be followed by a group activity titled, ‘Role clarification for UNM’ at 8:45 a.m.

A second group activity titled, ‘Recommendations for an Organizational Structure to Effectively Support Economic Development at UNM,’ is set for 10:30 a.m. President Schmidly will conclude the workshop with closing remarks during lunch at 12 p.m.