UNM announces finalists for Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

The University of New Mexico today announced three finalists for the position of Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, following a national search.

The finalists are:

• Avery August, Ph.D., Deputy Provost, Cornell University
• Charles Martinez, Ph.D., Dean, College of Education, University of Texas at Austin
• Barbara Rodriguez, Ph.D., Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of New Mexico

Full biographies and curriculum vitae for each finalist are available on the Provost Search Website.

Katie Witkiewitz, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Director, Center on Alcohol, Substance use, and Addictions, chaired the search committee and shared her enthusiasm for the candidates and the process.

"This is an exciting moment for the University of New Mexico," said Witkiewitz. "The committee was thrilled with the applicant pool and the entire process reflected the excellent trajectory of UNM and the commitment of UNM campus community members to the UNM 2040 vision, mission, and values. The finalists represent accomplished academic leaders from across the country, and we are fortunate to have them here on our campus. I want to encourage every member of our community to take part in this process - attend a forum, complete a survey, and help us find the leader who will champion UNM's academic mission for years to come."

The provost serves as UNM's chief academic officer, providing leadership for the university's academic programs, faculty affairs, research enterprise, and student success initiatives in alignment with UNM 2040.

Open Forums

Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members are encouraged to attend open forums and engage directly with each finalist. All forums will be held in the Student Union Building, Lobo A/B, from 10:05-11:05 a.m.

• Avery August - Friday, May 1
• Charles Martinez - Wednesday, May 6
• Barbara Rodriguez - Thursday, May 7

Virtual participation will be available for those unable to attend in person. Links will be posted on the search website in advance of each forum.

Recordings of the open forums will be available on May 11-12 following the conclusion of all finalist visits.

Community feedback is a vital part of the search process. Surveys will be available during the campus visit and during the same window of time as the recordings, following each finalist's visit. The search committee encourages all members of the UNM community to share their perspectives.

A final selection will be made following the completion of all campus visits and involvement of the newly chosen university president.

For more information, visit the Provost Search Website.