The goal of this initiative is to create enhanced and expanded spaces within Zimmerman Library, Centennial Science and Engineering Library, Fine Arts and Design Library, and Parish Library to include enhancements with a Research Commons, Distinctive Collections, and Maker Spaces. To achieve this goal, we are proposing a three-pronged approach to space enhancements:  

Research Commons: 

The new Research Commons will be a space dedicated to UNM’s powerful researchers. It will include resources, staff expertise, and training in a space that invites discovery, experimentation, and collaboration. The Research Commons will be a campus community where students, faculty, and postdoctoral researchers can connect with experts for support at any stage in the research lifecycle. We will offer services and a venue for exploring collaborative, interdisciplinary, and emerging research methods. Funding is needed for space enhancements including student and faculty research space, as well as offices.  

Distinctive Collections Center: 

This idea encompasses two elements: an extension of our special collections spaces combined with the Indigenous Nations Library Program (INLP). Distinctive Collections collects, preserves, and fosters the use of unique and rare materials such as tangible and digital archives, manuscripts, ephemera, artists’ books, and more. With these initiatives, CULLS seeks to cultivate an interest in the past, present, and future, and our rich and unique Southwest history. Funding would support student/faculty spaces, offices, and meeting rooms. 

Maker Spaces:  

Maker Spaces present library users with an opportunity to explore their interests through hands-on, creative projects. Maker Spaces create a culture of curiosity and creativity, encouraging users to learn about a variety of technologies as well as craft making. Library Maker Spaces are transformative and collaborate, building upon innovation and excellence in education. 

$2 million in philanthropic support will fund this three-pronged initiative. 

Nothing is more important at CULLS than our students’ academic achievement. Our new Student Success initiative comprises three elements: endowed positions, student support including OER (Open Education Resources), and scholarships. 

Studies have shown that students who utilize resources and services at the library have a significantly higher likelihood of academic success. By making resources available, delivering tools to aid studies and research, and offering literacy and library use instruction and expert support, we help them realize their academic aspirations. 

Academic support for student success: 

Libraries are often overlooked as a vital part of the ecosystem that helps students succeed – but not at UNM! The goal of the CULLS Dean’s Student Success program is to create a library environment full of resources, tools, and support, including making expensive textbooks available at the library (via OER). 

Endowed positions:

The creation of a named endowed chair or professorship is beneficial both to the specific discipline involved and to the university as a whole. Endowed positions allow us to create long-term plans for our research and teaching in a given field and provides a powerful tool for attracting the best and brightest faculty to UNM. 

Scholarships for students in financial need: 

Giving our financially insecure students the resources to focus on their education is one of the greatest gifts we can give. As the largest employer of students on campus, CULLS has a unique ability to offer additional support via scholarships for our student employees who need financial help to pursue their studies.  

 $1.5 million in philanthropic support will help these key initiatives to grow and thrive.

Vibrant public dialogue is a key element of campus life and a critical measure for the sustainability of our beloved Press. We have identified three key areas where philanthropic support would have the greatest impact: student-related projects, open access projects, and space enhancements. 

Growing the UNM Press General Endowment: 

The UNM Press is unique in that its publishing programs span the humanities, arts, social sciences, STEM fields, and professional schools, representing the full expanse of UNM knowledge and research. The UNM Press General Endowment allows the Press to undertake bold, broad-based scholarly and mission-based initiatives. It also helps the Press to weather economic fluctuations and to undertake a large-scale Open Access project, “Open New Mexico,” which provides scholars, students, researchers, and readers worldwide, unfettered access to UNM research, and to the history, arts, culture, and science of New Mexico.  

$500,000 of Philanthropic support will allow us to create this unique fund. 

UNM’s Center for Southwest Research (CSWR) and Special Collections reflects the university’s mission and cultural history. Special collections are created to benefit scholars by grouping related materials together in one repository. CSWR needs to be competitive in attracting the best, brightest in the field with this specific expertise. An endowed Directorship would enhance the Center’s ability to do just that by providing long-term leadership and academic continuity. This endowment would improve the ability to preserve and care for significant collections important to the history of New Mexico and beyond. 

$2.5 million in philanthropic support will create this new CSWR Directorship endowment. 

Given the challenges that the modern workplace faces, there is an urgent need to understand and improve workplace learning and well-being. We propose to create a collaborative workplace space that provides a structure for supporting cross-college collaboration to accelerate workplace learning and well-being in New Mexico and the U.S. 

$1.5 million in philanthropic support will create this new innovative workplace initiative.