The University of New Mexico celebrated President Garnett S. Stokes on May 21 with a campus event marking her upcoming retirement at the end of June. The gathering brought together administrators, faculty, staff, students, and local officials at the Student Union Building to reflect on Stokes’ eight years as president.
The event highlighted Stokes’ impact during a period of change for the university. Attendees shared memories and praised her leadership through both achievements and challenges at New Mexico’s flagship institution. UNM Chief-of-Staff Terry Babbitt said, “Many people will look to accomplishments and legacy, and there are many substantial changes, improvements and accomplishments to talk about… We could mention capital transformation with the help of our partners. Healthcare workforce expansion, One University culture, enrollment, stability, athletic survival and resurgence and crisis management through a number of what should be generational events.”
Executive Vice President Dr. Mike Richards addressed the importance of leadership in higher education: “In leadership roles…the work is continuous…Retirement creates an opportunity to step back and recognize not simply the work of a day or a year but the accumulated impact of an entire era of leadership.” Richards added that “Universities do not advance on momentum alone. They advance because leaders create direction, stability, trust, partnerships, and belief in a larger future.”
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller presented Stokes with an official proclamation declaring May 21 as President Garnett S. Stokes Day in Albuquerque for her service as UNM’s first female president over its 137-year history.
Speakers also acknowledged difficult moments during Stokes’ tenure—including athletics program downsizing early in her term and navigating disruptions from the global pandemic—but emphasized her steady guidance throughout such times.
Stokes expressed gratitude for those who supported her: “I’m grateful to all of you for what you have done and what you will continue to do…I couldn’t have a better partner [than my husband], and I’m so grateful that you’ve acknowledged that.” Her husband Dr. Jeffrey Younggren was recognized by Richards for his own contributions to forensic psychology education at UNM’s School of Medicine.
As parting recognition for her service to UNM—an institution enrolling more than 24,000 students across its main and branch campuses in spring 2023—the university presented Stokes with a commemorative challenge coin featuring Lobo imagery according to the official website. The University also boasts more than 200,000 alumni worldwide; its athletics program competes in the Mountain West Conference; it serves as a cultural resource through libraries and museums; features Pueblo Revival architecture; has earned national rankings among public schools including medical school diversity; all while promoting diversity within its metropolitan campus community according to the official website.
