Welcome to the University of New Mexico! We are excited to welcome you into our “Afro” Family and into a community rooted in excellence, resilience, and innovation.

At UNM, we recognize that many of our students navigate unique challenges- whether that means being one of few in your classes, balancing family and academic responsibilities, facing financial pressures, or adjusting to a large and complex university system. African American Student Services (AASS) exists to ensure that you do not have to navigate those experiences alone.

At the same time, we celebrate the incredible creativity, leadership, scholarship, and innovation that thrive within our community and within our center. Our students are researchers, artists, organizers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who continuously shape the UNM experience in powerful ways. AASS is more than a support office, it is a hub of connection, empowerment, and forward-thinking programming designed to help you grow, lead, and succeed.

We are committed to supporting your matriculation through graduation by offering culturally relevant academic and social programs, advocacy, mentorship, student organizations, skill-building workshops, leadership development opportunities, and connections to Albuquerque’s vibrant Black community.

Our goal is to help you experience not only a smooth transition to UNM, but a transformative and affirming college journey. We strongly encourage you to visit our office, connect with our staff, and actively participate in African American Student Services. We look forward to supporting you and witnessing all that you will contribute to our community.

Welcome to UNM! We’re glad you’re here!

Sincerely,

Brandi Wells-Stone, PhD
African American Student Services Director