Accelerate New Mexico
UNM-Gallup
Building the Future for Students, Faculty, and Communities
UNM-Gallup was chartered as a community college more than 50 years ago. Our priority always has been to serve our community as a two-year college. However, to meet the needs of our diverse community, we also offer Adult Basic Education, Community Education and Workforce Development, the Center for Career and Technical Education, and Middle College High School. UNM-Gallup’s open enrollment and affordable tuition allows students to pursue a certificate in a vocational program, an associate degree in a vocational or academic program, and transfer to four-year institutions.
One of our major strengths is our focus on students’ needs. Accelerate New Mexico provides us with an opportunity to raise funds to augment and improve student resources.
Overview:
Serving a minority-majority student body that is mostly Native American, UNM-Gallup is inclusive and welcoming to all who want to pursue an education or vocation. We are committed to preparing our students to achieve their educational and professional goals in a manner that respects their culture, traditions, and values.
List of Priorities:
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Our high-demand CTE programs need updated equipment to give students the best contemporary education possible in the areas of construction technology, auto technology, and welding.
Each semester, classes in these three popular subjects fill with high school and traditional college students. CTE programs meet an ongoing need in the skilled trades locally, regionally, and statewide. They also help provide stable employment in a geographical area of New Mexico where 32% of residents live in poverty.
As a result of GO Bond 2020, renovation to the 30-plus-year-old CTE classrooms and labs began in spring 2023. However, the funding only covers construction. As a result, our students continue to use old, outdated equipment in new facilities. Funding for new equipment would make it possible for UNM-Gallup to serve its students more effectively and innovatively, help them reach their career goals, and provide them with a state-of-the-art learning experience that reflects current best practices in the skilled trades.
Finally, CTE programs exist at other branch campuses. Successfully updating the UNM-Gallup program can inform and inspire such programs at other locations.
$750,000 of philanthropic funding will allow UNM-Gallup to acquire current, leading-edge equipment for construction technology, automotive technology, and welding instruction.
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UNM-Gallup primarily serves Native American students who face significant health disparities. Built in 1981, the gymnasium has never been updated; in fact, it contains spaces that cannot be used due to their outdated design. The current environment lacks proper lighting, contemporary equipment, and workout spaces.
Renovating our gymnasium would demonstrate an investment in the health of our students and our community. We are anticipating a bond issue on the 2026 ballot to cover the $3 million cost of the renovation. We need an additional $1 million for new equipment and health-related programs.
Through these campus improvements, UNM-Gallup will serve not only our students, but also the larger New Mexico community by addressing critical health issues in this region of the state. Such an initiative also will help UNM-Gallup create a supportive environment for our students when they are not in class.
Increased collaboration within UNM is an additional benefit. Research at the UNM College of Population Health focuses on eliminating injury and disease, improving the health of the people in our region, and reducing healthcare disparities among populations. Gymnasium renovations would allow for research collaboration between UNM-Gallup and the College of Population Health, benefiting our students and others around the state.
$1 million of philanthropic funding will fund new state-of-the-art equipment and health-focused programs at the UNM-Gallup gymnasium.
John Zimmerman
Dean of Instruction / UNM-Gallup
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Largest
Largest of the 4 UNM branch campuses
94%
of our students identify as multiethnic or a racial minority
12
Offers certificates in 12 disciplines and associate’s degrees in 18 programs
UNM-Gallup seeks to provide the best available education and professional development that New Mexico can offer. We are dedicated to updating and improving our facilities and programs so our students can get more value from their education and pursue activities and programs that improve their health. With your help through the Accelerate New Mexico campaign, we can continue to be a beacon of opportunity for students in the Gallup area.