UNM Names 5 Finalists in Presidential Search

Candidates will visit Albuquerque campus in coming weeks to meet community.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:52pm

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A bold, abstract silkscreen illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a university graduation cap in a grid, rendered in a high-contrast neon color palette with thick black outlines, conceptually representing the celebratory transition to a new university leadership.The selection of a new university president is a momentous occasion that brings both change and continuity to an institution's legacy.Albuquerque Today

The University of New Mexico Board of Regents has announced five finalists in its search for the next president of the university. The candidates will participate in public campus visits over the next few weeks, giving members of the university and broader Albuquerque community a chance to engage directly with them. The new president will replace outgoing UNM President Garnett S. Stokes, who is retiring in July.

Why it matters

The selection of a new university president is a critical decision that will shape the future direction and priorities of UNM, one of New Mexico's largest and most influential higher education institutions. The public forums allow the community to provide feedback that will inform the final decision by the Board of Regents.

The details

The five finalists are: Eric L. Barker from Purdue University, Steven Goldstein from UC Irvine, Eric Link from the University of North Dakota, Ashwani Monga from the University System of Georgia, and Elizabeth "Liz" Watkins from UC Riverside. Each candidate will participate in a 75-minute open forum in the UNM Student Union Building, with virtual attendance options available. The schedule begins on April 20 with Watkins and continues through mid-May.

  • The search process began after current UNM President Garnett S. Stokes announced her retirement in July 2026.
  • The five finalists will visit the UNM campus in Albuquerque over the next few weeks, with the first forum scheduled for April 20.

The players

Garnett S. Stokes

The current president of the University of New Mexico, who is retiring in July 2026.

University of New Mexico Board of Regents

The governing body responsible for selecting the next president of the University of New Mexico.

Eric L. Barker

Vice President for Health Affairs at Purdue University and one of the five finalists for the UNM presidency.

Steven Goldstein

Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at the University of California, Irvine and one of the five finalists for the UNM presidency.

Eric Link

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of North Dakota and one of the five finalists for the UNM presidency.

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What’s next

The Board of Regents is expected to select the university's next president after the conclusion of the campus visits in mid-May.

The takeaway

The selection of a new UNM president is a crucial decision that will impact the university and the broader Albuquerque community. The public forums allow for transparent engagement and community input to help guide the Board of Regents in making this important choice.