Thursday, August 27, 2015

New Building Forum



Within the next few years, the Anderson School of Management could have a brand new look. Plans are underway for the construction of a new building to house the UNM Business School. Students, faculty and staff are invited to find out more at project forums next week in the Student Union Building.  Project forums will be held on September 2 and 3 from 11:00-1:00 p.m. in the SUB Atrium. 

The Anderson School of Management, in partnership with UNM administration and external stakeholders, is making substantial progress on finalizing the planning, obtaining the remaining funding, and moving forward with the construction of a new building. Once completed, the new facility will create a vibrant and welcoming learning community for years to come.


The existing building has served the School well since its construction in the late 1960s. However, space requirements, technology, and other infrastructure needs of an AACSB accredited business school have moved beyond the capabilities of the current facility. The School faces challenges including small classrooms, inadequate space for team-based learning and collaborative projects, and a shortage of office and other space necessary to maintain faculty and grow enrollment.  In short, the building is no longer competitive with those of other business schools, thus, affecting potential faculty and students' decisions to locate or study in New Mexico.


The plan for a new building includes utilizing the location of the current building.  Construction of the new structure will be done in phases. The first phase will be a new four story classroom/lab/office building in the site of the existing parking lot just north of the Anderson School. This phase will provide approximately 65,000 square feet of advanced educational space.  The funding for this phase is from the McKinnon Family gift and projected University of New Mexico issued revenue bonds. The target date for this building is Fall 2018/Spring 2019.


The second phase will include the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a second four-story addition.  Phase II is expected to be similar in size to the first phase. When all phases are completed, UNM Anderson will have flexible facilities designed to meet the School's projected instructional office space, and enrollment needs for decades to come.  The timeframe for completion of the second phase will be dependent upon obtaining further private and public funding. 


“A new facility will allow the Anderson School to continue to attract outstanding faculty, staff, and students,” says Interim Dean Craig White.  “These individuals are the key to ongoing success in our research and educational mission. We look forward to celebrating the building's completion with all supporters of the University of New Mexico.”


More information can be found at the new Anderson School of Management Building webpage.