UNM presidential candidate Louis Caldera said his interest in leading UNM is to help the University in any way he can and to build support from the state and beyond.
"We need to find the resources that the University needs," Caldera said. "You are all to be commended for having a very fine University with very highly regarded programs. To build on that success, to sustain those great programs, to take other programs to the same kind of level of distinction requires support of various kinds - from the business community, from the state legislature - but it also requires financial support and research as well, and that's what I see as the job of the president."
Caldera is the first presidential finalist to visit campus. He spoke at three different forums Tuesday, one each for staff, faculty and students. He presented his qualifications to each audience and then answered questions.
"The nature of the presidency has really changed in the last 10 years," Caldera said. "It is important to recognize that research universities are moving toward the model where the provost is internally oriented and is really in charge of the academic programs and works closely with the deans. The president is more externally oriented in terms of building the support for the University."
Caldera is currently vice chancellor for University Advancement of the California State University System. While employed in the Clinton administration, he worked in two positions, first serving as managing director and chief operating officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service from 1997-98. From 1998-2000, Caldera was the Secretary of the Army.
"One of the things I did was really work to increase the Army's educational opportunities," he said. "We created assistance education programs for soldiers because I wanted them to walk away from the Army with more than just the pride of having served their country. I wanted them to walk away with marketable skills."
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Caldera also served in the California State Legislature, representing downtown Los Angeles, which he said gives him insight into the many diverse groups that represent UNM, specifically in a time of war.
"One of the wonderful things about universities is the tradition of freedom of speech and freedom of expression," Caldera said. "We need to respect the diversity of opinions and views on a number of issues that are prevalent on college campuses. There is a reason for that. This is a place that deals with intellectual activity and questions good policy and bad policy and America's role in the world."
He said he was delighted with the opportunity to visit the campus.
"If we can demonstrate in New Mexico that we can raise the general education level to people in this state and reach the people in the rural communities and educate the students, then we become a model for the nation," Caldera said.