Donald H. Salazar says that he would like to serve the UNM Board of Regents with distinction and wants to be known as a hard-working public servant.
Salazar, who has been a practicing attorney in the private sector for more than 30 years, said that he believed he was chosen as regent because the governor has confidence in his abilities.
Salazar was one of four new regents appointed by Gov. Bill Richardson in January.
"I see myself as a person who can spot the issues and be creative with problem solving," Salazar said. "I can make tough decisions and move on in a productive manner."
He said that his main focus on the board will be dealing with the Health Sciences Center and trying to merge the various interests of the academic, scientific and commercial aspects of UNM.
"I'd like to lead that effort and advance the various programs at UNM," Salazar said. "Obviously, we also need to select a new president, so we'll be working on that, too. I also believe we need to carry out the strategic goals that the University has developed."
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Salazar said that this will mean having a harmonious relationship with the governor and the Commission on Higher Education.
"I look forward to a positive relationship with the governor," Salazar said. "I think we, as regents, will also work very closely with the Commission on Higher Education to the extent that the state provides us appropriations to the University."
Salazar said that the regents need to be more accessible to the community and offer more opportunities for community members to voice their opinions.
"I'd like to see the regents have more town hall-type meetings," he said. "More open sessions where there are different topics addressed where students, faculty and the general public can come forward and we can remain in touch. I feel that I, personally, am very accessible and can listen to the public's concerns."
Salazar, who was born in Albuquerque and earned his law degree from the University of California at Berkeley, said he was very proud to be appointed to the board.
"UNM is a very important institution and is one of the largest in the state," he said. "A large number of arts and sciences and liberal arts programs have had great success, and its graduate programs are also very successful. The University has a wonderful faculty that we need to build on. The key is hiring and keeping the key people."
