New Boss Outlines UNM’s Future

New University of New Mexico President Bob Frank was more than warmly greeted Wednesday during his first appearance before the Economic Forum of Albuquerque.

The breakfast meeting, held at Hotel Albuquerque and packed with UNM alumni, marked Frank’s first speech before the group.

He was greeted with loud applause before a nearly half-hour speech on the university and its future.

Frank touched on many of the subjects he’s already spoken of publicly, including UNM’s role in both Albuquerque’s and the state’s economy.

“UNM is a significant contributor to New Mexico’s economy,” he said.

Frank said 68 percent of what the university spends stays in the state. What’s more, UNM generates $1.83 for every dollar it spends, he said.

He also touched on student success, particularly the school’s below-average retention and graduation rates.

Frank said the university is making aggressive attempts to change that.

For example, UNM next spring will launch a math emporium, modeled after a program at Virginia Tech. The learning center, which is essentially a computer lab, will better help students succeed at math, one of the biggest obstacles before New Mexico students.

Kent State, where Frank was provost before becoming president of UNM on June 1, also has a math emporium.

“With this program, we think we’ll show a 60 percent improvement” in students who have traditionally struggled with college math, he said.

Also, UNM will continue its close working relationship with Albuquerque Public Schools and Central New Mexico Community College, which focuses on improving the pipeline between K-12 and higher education, he said.

Another one of Frank’s goals is to increase enrollment of international students, who now number 800.

“International students give us a globalized exposure on campus,” he said.
— This article appeared on page D2 of the Albuquerque Journal