CONTACT: Frank D. Martinez, 277-1811

Nov. 13, 2002 UNM PRESIDENT NAMES SPECIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR University of New Mexico President F. Chris Garcia today announced the appointment of UNM Professor of Management Avi Shama as Special Advisor to the President on Economic Development effective today. "This is a new position that we've determined is essential to the role played by UNM in the economic development of state of New Mexico. It brings focus to that effort. It is also one that we anticipate will, by extension, better position UNM to have a more concerted and positive impact on the economic development of the state," Garcia said. "Prof. Shama brings a wealth of experience to the position. He has extensive expertise in economics, marketing and related fields on international, national and local levels. During his tenure, he has prepared economic development plans for several New Mexico communities and has also prepared reports on issues specific to New Mexicans. At the same time, he has written articles for the Wall Street Journal and other prestigious publications on international topics, such as the Russian economy. We're very pleased he has accepted these new responsibilities," he said. Shama, who in 1999 was named Rutledge Professor of Management in the UNM Anderson School of Management (ASM), will serve "as the focal point of the economic development activities of the University," Garcia said. The Special Advisor is tasked with encouraging, coordinating, and promoting the economic development activities of various UNM units, including its schools, colleges, centers and branch campuses to leverage the University's resources. The Special Advisor helps secure economic development funds from external agencies and interacts with the University's internal and external constituents on economic development matters. Shama will represent the President's Office in economic development matters before city, state, federal, economic, business and social agencies and will evaluate the University's role in the economic development of the state, among other responsibilities. "I am honored by this appointment and will do my best to further the economic development efforts of the University of New Mexico," Shama said. "As a state university, we have a responsibility to help our state's economy grow. This means that we will be more entrepreneurial and focused on activities that spur economic growth. We must work in partnership with the private and public sectors, as well as with city and state governments to grow the economic pie of New Mexico and contribute to the quality of life of fellow New Mexicans." Shama joined the UNM faculty in 1983. From 1993 to 1996, he served as ASM Foundation Professor of Management and, from 1997 to 1999, he filled the Professor of Management and Lectureship Chair. At UNM, he also previously served as director of the school's Economic Development Program and as coordinator of Marketing. Shama earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Political Science in 1966; his Master of Arts Degree in Political Science and his Master of Business Administration in 1970, all with honors and all from Hebrew University. He earned his doctorate in Business Administration from the Kellogg Management School, Northwestern University, in 1973. # # #

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