University President Garnett Stokes of New Mexico's University reveals intent to step down
University of New Mexico President Garnett Stokes to Retire After Seven-Year Tenure
University of New Mexico (UNM) President Garnett Stokes has announced her retirement, effective July 1, 2026. This decision comes after more than seven years of dedicated service to the institution.
Stokes, the 23rd president in UNM's history, was originally appointed in 2018 to provide experienced leadership and guide the university's academic and administrative efforts. She began serving on March 1, 2018.
During her tenure, Stokes has made significant strides in various areas. Enrollment has increased, research efforts have progressed, and improvements have been made in athletics.
One of her most notable actions was recommending the school cut men's soccer, men's and women's skiing, and women's beach volleyball to address budget shortfalls and federal Title IX equity concerns. The Board of Regents approved these changes following public meetings where supporters tried to save the teams.
Stokes is the first woman to hold the position at UNM. Her leadership has been marked by resilience, particularly during challenging times. Before coming to UNM, she served as interim president for Florida State University and guided the University of Missouri through turbulent race relations on campus during the Concerned Student 1950 protests.
Stokes' tenure at UNM has not been without its challenges. The university has grappled with a high auto theft rate on campus and other high-profile crimes, including the fatal shooting of UNM student Brandon Travis in November 2022 and the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Michael LaMotte in an on-campus dorm room in August.
However, Stokes has also faced and addressed these issues head-on. For instance, UNM operated under an agreement with the Department of Justice aimed at ensuring the university responded appropriately to sexual harassment involving students during the early years of her presidency. The school was released from that agreement in 2019.
Stokes has shown courage and determination, even jumping from a plane in 2019 to raise awareness for the university's ROTC program. She has also demonstrated her commitment to the university during the pandemic, adhering to the governor's lockdown orders and resuming in-person instruction fully in August 2021.
Upon her retirement, Stokes will have headed the school for longer than any president since Richard Peck, who led the school from 1990 to 1998. Details about her retirement plans will be shared at an appropriate time closer to her departure in 2026.
Stokes' leadership at UNM will be remembered for its resilience, dedication, and significant contributions to the university's growth and development. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy will undoubtedly live on at UNM.
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