'Too serendipitous to pass up:' Longtime UNM spokeswoman headed to this Midwest college

After more than 20 years working in communications and marketing for the largest university in the state — 14 of those years heading the department — University of New Mexico spokeswoman Cinnamon Blair will retire, then head to the University of Kansas, assuming the role of chief strategic communication officer and vice chancellor.

“UNM is in the best place I’ve ever seen it in the entire time I’ve been here for almost 23 years at UNM, and it’s really in great shape. The department of University Communication and Marketing is in a really strong space, and I feel like I have contributed in all the ways I wanted to before I retired,” Blair said. “The ability to retire paired with this opportunity that came up really just was — it was too serendipitous to pass up.”

The move to Kansas’ flagship university also puts her at the college her son is attending as he enters his sophomore year studying finance.

“I have several touchpoints with KU since my son does go there, I’ve been there several times over the past year, and I feel like it’s a really dynamic institution, and it’s also got an innovative spirit and deep commitment to making a difference, very much like UNM,” Blair said.

She’ll begin working in Kansas on Sept. 15 and her last day at UNM will be Sept. 1.

“Cinnamon’s unwavering commitment to UNM and New Mexico has shaped our university’s voice and strengthened our connection with the communities we serve. Her leadership, vision, and heart will be deeply missed, and we wish her every success as she begins this exciting new journey at the University of Kansas,” UNM President Garnett Stokes said in a statement.

Among the things Blair says she’ll miss the most about New Mexico are the people and the outdoor recreation the state offers. Her favorite memory at UNM came in 2010 when she received her master’s degree while working as the director of marketing.

“My mom hadn’t been able to go to my undergrad graduation, and so she was able to be there, my son was able to be there, and she was so proud,” Blair said. “It was really exciting for me to have her there, and it was a lot of work, and I felt like UNM just gave me such a great education.”