UNM'S SCHOOL OF LAW AND ANDERSON SCHOOLS OF MANAGEMENT RANK HIGH IN HISPANIC BUSINESS MAGAZINE

September 9, 2003

UNM’S SCHOOL OF LAW AND ANDERSON SCHOOLS OF MANAGEMENT RANK HIGH IN HISPANIC BUSINESS MAGAZINE

The School of Law and Robert O. Anderson Graduate Schools of Management (ASM) at UNM have been named to the top five in the country in their respective categories for Hispanic students by Hispanic Business magazine.

The School of Law is ranked third, while the Graduate Schools at ASM improved two spots from last year and is ranked fourth. It’s the fourth consecutive year that the Anderson Schools have been ranked in the top 10 by Hispanic Business, and the fourth time in the past five years for the Law School. The Law School ranked even higher last year capturing the number two spot.

The criteria for recognition was based on total graduate and Hispanic enrollment, faculty, student services, retention rate and reputation. The measures were then summed and a rating assigned to each school on the basis of the total score.

Hispanic students are an integral part of the UNM School of Law encompassing nearly a quarter of the student population. Hispanic students at the School of Law represent 23 percent or 74 students out of a total enrollment of 324. The School of Law conferred 115 degrees with 29 earned (25 percent) by Hispanic students.

“We’re extremely proud that the UNM School of Law is included in the top 10 ranking by Hispanic Business magazine,” said Dean Suellyn Scarnecchia. “We take great pride in the welcoming atmosphere that we provide for Hispanic students.

“As a new dean, one of the most gratifying discoveries I’ve made is of the loyalty and dedication of our Hispanic alumni who help us support our students through their three years in law school and the tremendous amount of support they provide our students after graduation.”

Key factors in the Law School ranking included the number of Hispanic law students and their presence in school-related activities including the Student Bar Association, a student organization called the Mexican-American Law Student Association, law journals and national moot court and mock trials teams.

UNM is ranked behind the University of Texas-Austin and University of Miami. At The Anderson Schools, the ranking recognizes that 18 percent (92 students) of the 503 MBA students are Hispanic. The graduation and placement rates for Hispanic students are both above 90 percent, demonstrating The Schools’ commitment to student success according to Dean Howard Smith.

Hispanics earned 26 degrees or 19 percent of the 137 degrees conferred by the ASM. “This (the national ranking) is wonderful news for our students, employers, faculty and staff,” said Smith. “It confirms the excellent professional management education students receive at the Anderson Schools.”

Hispanic students at UNM’s business school are offered the unique opportunity for hands-on experience through the Center for the Support of Economic Development, a support center for small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups that involve student teams in creating real business solutions. The Hispanic Women’s Council mentors students about academic, professional and personal issues.

More than 50 small businesses statewide, 25 percent of which are Hispanic-owned and operated, help comprise the classroom for students in developing business and marketing plans for real business solutions. UNM is ranked behind UT-Austin, Yale University and Stanford University in the MBA rankings.

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