Albuquerque, NM – Attorney General Hector Balderas and UNM President Garnett Stokes, after meeting earlier this week, have declared a shared commitment to actively look for ways to positively change the way the two organizations work together in service to the University community and the citizens of New Mexico.

"I am optimistic that UNM, under President Stokes' leadership, will be held accountable for improving cooperation and creating greater efficiencies in the interest of serving justice and being open and transparent," said Attorney General Balderas. "We will be working together to create solutions, break down silos and ensure coordination, collaboration and transparency at the University as our investigation progresses. This is the type of long-term outcome that New Mexicans are owed."

By modeling best practices both entities can provide clear, accurate, and supportive direction and action to ensure that the processes in place at UNM are functioning well and if improvement or optimization should be considered.

"I appreciate AG Balderas' position and continued willingness to work with UNM," said Stokes, who has pledged that building and maintaining public trust is a priority of her administration. "I found our meeting to be productive and I am encouraged by what will, no doubt, be the first of many conversations. It is not only our responsibility to be responsive and timely to requests, but to also seek clarification early on."

Please see attached for a letter Attorney General Balderas sent to President Stokes after their meeting earlier this week.