Four takeaways from University of New Mexico president’s state of the university speech

University of New Mexico President Garnett Stokes reflected on the impact of artificial intelligence on education during her annual state of the university speech Monday.

Stokes also highlighted the university’s research and showcased student and faculty achievements.

1. No field is growing faster or more alarmingly than artificial intelligence, Stokes said:

UNM is one of 18 institutions taking part in a two-year study on AI in higher education. The school’s Office of Research has also launched an initiative to explore how AI can contribute to the university’s mission of discovery, and the School of Medicine is exploring how AI can be used in health care, Stokes said.

“We’re leading the way by studying AI and its implications for teaching and learning,” Stokes said.

UNM also launched an AI resources website in August to help students and faculty navigate the risks and opportunities that come with AI tools.

2. UNM launched a new research center in partnership with Sandia Labs to focus on quantum information science:

UNM launched the Quantum New Mexico Institute in January with Sandia National Labs. Quantum information science is foundational for new technology like quantum computers, cybersecurity and high-precision sensors, according to the Quantum New Mexico Institute website.

The research center has $2 million in new funding and could make New Mexico a destination for quantum companies, Stokes said.

3. UNM’s Health Sciences Center finds microplastics contaminating human placentas:

Stokes hailed the university’s Health Sciences Center for studying contaminated water, the health effects of wildfire smoke, discovering vaccines that can lower cholesterol and for a study published in the Toxicological Sciences journal that found a massive number of microplastics are showing up in human placentas.

The study on microplastics, led by UNM Professor Matthew Campen, made international headlines last month.

4. Stokes reaffirmed the university’s commitment to diversity:

Last June, the Supreme Court ended race-conscious admission programs, reversing years of precedent that allowed colleges and universities to consider race as one factor in deciding which qualified college applicant should be admitted into a school.

Stokes said that although the Supreme Court reversed its stance on affirmative action, UNM cannot afford to be perceived as a place where certain people can’t or don’t belong.

“A court ruling may change the tools available to us, but it does not change our values,” Stokes said.

UNM has one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, Stokes said, reflecting the demographics of New Mexico. The fall 2023 class is the largest in school history and one of the most diverse with over 26,000 students enrolled, Stokes said.