The University of New Mexico Board of Regents has approved an agreement to hand over operations of the LodeStar Astronomy Center to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, effective July 1. The agreement includes a world-class planetarium, interactive astronomy exhibits, observatory and a motion simulation theatre. Also as part of the agreement, UNM will have free use of the center for research and educational programs for five years, with an option to renew for another five years.
“From our perspective, it’s a beneficial agreement for the University,” said Steve Beffort, Associate Vice President for Business Development and Auxiliary Exterprise. “We’ll be able to continue to use the center for research and educational purposes. It really is a win-win agreement for both the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and for UNM.”
The move is expected to save the UNM several hundred thousand dollars a year, according to David Harris, Executive Vice President for Administration.
Located inside the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, the LodeStar Astronomy Center opened its doors in December 1999 after being built with a state appropriation and a grant from the U.S. Air Force.
Six UNM employees staff the center. The museum may retain the technical director. Two other employees will take other positions at the university and the remaining three employees will be placed on “priority hire” status at UNM.
Media Contact: Susan McKinsey (505) 277-1989 mckinsey@unm.edu
Posted by kwentworth at June 14, 2007 03:57 PM