UNM-LA Chancellor Mike Holtzclaw. Courtesy photo
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO NEWS RELEASE
Mike Holtzclaw, chancellor of The University of New Mexico campus in Los Alamos, will not seek reappointment, concluding service in the top leadership role on June 30, 2027.
Barbara Rodriguez, UNM provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said that Holtzclaw will work closely with University leadership to support the campus during this transition period.
“I want to thank Chancellor Holtzclaw for his leadership and dedicated service to UNM-Los Alamos,” Rodriguez said. “During his tenure, the campus has made significant progress in strengthening its infrastructure, financial foundation and commitment to student success.”
Holtzclaw began as chancellor of the campus in July 2022. Before joining UNM, he brought nearly three decades of experience in higher education to the role, serving community colleges in California and Oregon.
Under his leadership, UNM-Los Alamos secured strong public and private investments that will benefit the campus for years to come. These accomplishments include the successful passage of a local mill levy supporting campus capital improvements, expanded partnerships with Los Alamos County and substantial legislative investments in campus facilities. The campus completed or initiated numerous modernization projects, enhancing classrooms, student services, instructional laboratories, accessibility and campus infrastructure.
Holtzclaw also prioritized investment in faculty and staff by advancing market-based compensation improvements, strengthening the campus’s marketing and human resources functions, and implementing sustainable budget strategies to support professional development and technology renewal.
“Most importantly, he championed initiatives designed to improve student success and completion,” Rodriguez said. “Under his leadership, UNM-Los Alamos implemented innovative student support technologies, joined the nationally recognized Complete College America network, and strengthened shared governance through the establishment of the College Council, ensuring broad participation in institutional decision-making.”
“We are grateful for Chancellor Holtzclaw’s leadership and wish him every success in the future,” Rodriguez said. “We remain committed to ensuring a thoughtful transition that maintains the campus’s momentum and continued service to the students and communities of northern New Mexico.”
Additional information regarding the leadership transition and the process for identifying the next chancellor of UNM-Los Alamos will be shared with the campus community in the coming months.