Dean of Instruction

The University of New Mexico (UNM), the state’s flagship institution, seeks a strategic and experienced academic leader to serve as the Dean of Instruction (DOI) of the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos (UNM-LA). One of the four branch campuses of UNM, UNM-LA is a rigorous and affordable comprehensive community college that provides foundations for transfer, leading-edge career programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. Located in Los Alamos at the base of the Jemez Mountains on the beautiful Pajarito Plateau, UNM-LA is surrounded by natural wonders, such as the Valles Caldera and Bandelier National Monument and adjacent to the world-renowned Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Los Alamos County is regularly ranked among the best communities in which to live for safety, schools, and recreation, with one of the most internationally diverse populations in the nation and the highest concentration of PhDs per capita in the country.

UNM-LA serves over 2,100 students in northern New Mexico. The student body is representative of its communities with 51% Hispanic and 6% Native American enrollment, making it a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with one of the most diverse student bodies in the state. Through numerous collaborative efforts, UNM-LA has expanded relationships with the Los Alamos community and beyond and has developed programs aligning with community and industry demands. In 2020, UNM-LA was awarded its first Title V Grant by the Department of Education, totaling more than $2.3 million over five years, which has helped to build strong STEM academic and career pathways for students at the college. In 2024, voters of the Los Alamos community overwhelmingly supported an initiative granting three million dollars of general obligation bonds for campus improvement projects. The state will match the county’s support with another nine million dollars, providing a total of twelve million dollars towards UNM-LA capital improvement projects.

The next DOI will be a forward-looking and collaborative leader who can champion the campus and community college education at large; view their work as essential to the success of students, the campus, the community, and the UNM system; and who can skillfully navigate the ever-evolving and highly dynamic higher education landscape for the betterment of UNM-LA and for a significant impact on the workforce and economic development in the region.

Reporting to the Chancellor of UNM-LA, the DOI will serve as a critical partner to the leadership team of the campus and in the overall UNM system to address the following opportunities and challenges:

• Craft a cohesive vision for UNM-LA that drives increased enrollment
• Support the development, launch, and growth of high-demand academic programs
• Communicate with and engage stakeholders across campus with data-driven decision-making
• Manage budget with strong financial acumen 
• Nurture an accessible and supportive environment that centers student success
• Serve as a trusted thought partner and member of UNM’s leadership team

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. For optimal consideration, please apply by April 11. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted electronically below. 

Joseph Kralick is leading this search with Rafael Escobedo.