Daily Lobo: Who is affected by your decisions at UNM?
RD: Almost everyone reports to me in some way. I am responsible for all of the deans, the vice presidents of both staff and research, and I also work with all four branches of UNM. I also report to the president of the University.
DL: How does your position help the University function?
RD: The deans and I help to organize the curriculum and students' affairs.
DL: Where does your position lie within the checks and balances of power between the University administration and its students?
RD: I am able to help organize financial aid, student life and academics. I do not, however, work within administration, which includes things like dorms and parking. I meet regularly with the president and other administrators within the University. I also try as often as possible to meet with the student government.
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DL: What is the most difficult part of your job?
RD: I would have to say that UNM is not adequately funded for the ambitions we have in mind.
DL: What do you enjoy most about the University?
RD: UNM is an excellent place with many bright and talented people.
DL: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
RD: I have little of that, but I enjoy traveling and going to the opera.
DL: What do you plan to change in the future of the University?
RD: We would like to increase the quality of undergraduate education; continue with the agenda for excellence; increase student success; increase graduation rates; get more students to graduate more quickly; highlight research at the University and increase public engagement. I also believe that UNM could become one of the top universities involved in Hispanic and Native American issues in the country because of our student demographics.
As you can see, we would also like to continue to build onto UNM and continue to bring the school up to date through long-needed renovations.
-Alison White
