Campaign Co-Chairs

Jim and Gail Ellis 

“We wanted other people to look at what we had done and ask themselves, What could I make possible?” — Jim Ellis 

Jim and Gail Ellis have built lives defined by education, leadership, service, and a deep belief in the power of opportunity. Jim, a 1968 graduate of The University of New Mexico, is Professor Emeritus of Marketing at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, where he served as dean from 2007 to 2019. During his career at USC, he also served as Vice Provost for Globalization, Vice Dean for External Relations, and Associate Dean for the Undergraduate Program. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and has held leadership positions on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards.

Jim’s connection to UNM began as a student, when he was a member of the varsity golf team, was president of his fraternity, and participated in several student leadership organizations. He later returned to serve the University in numerous capacities, including as a member of the UNM Foundation Board of Trustees and as its National Vice-Chair. Jim was inducted into the UNM Anderson Hall of Fame in 2006, was recognized by UNM for his service with the Bernard S. Rodey Award in 2013, and he delivered the University’s fall commencement address in 2014. 

Gail is a retired clinical psychologist who served in the Office of Psychological Services at Pasadena City College. Her commitment to education and community service has also included nonprofit board leadership, such as long time serving on the board of Kidspace Children’s Museum. 

In 2026, Jim and Gail made a transformational commitment to UNM’s business school, which was renamed The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership. Their gift reflects their belief in education and in the opportunities it can create for generations of students. Together, Jim and Gail bring to Accelerate New Mexico a shared commitment to education, leadership, and philanthropy and an understanding that investing in a university is ultimately an investment in the people who will carry its promise forward.