05/22/2026
On May 5, 2026, in a heartfelt conclusion to her final Traveling Office Hours, President Garnett Stokes received a surprise that capped off years of dedicated partnership with the University of New Mexico staff.
Members of the Staff Council presented President Stokes with the Kathy Meadows Staff Hero Award, recognizing her steadfast advocacy on behalf of staff across campus. As UNM’s 23rd President and the first woman to serve in this role, she has led with vision, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the people who sustain this university.
The Hero Award is more than a plaque — it's a symbol of deep appreciation from the staff community, reserved for individuals who have shown sustained, long-term support for the Staff Council and its mission. Presenting it to President Stokes during her final departmental tour was a fitting tribute to her "open-door" and "on-the-road" approach to staff engagement.
The award has grown in meaning over the past decade, evolving alongside the Council's most cherished values:
• Established (2011): Created by then–Staff Council President Mary Clark and approved by the Executive Committee to honor those who go above and beyond for staff.
• Renamed (2017): Renamed in honor of Kathy Meadows, a longtime Staff Council Administrative Officer and original Council member, following her retirement after many years of service to the University.
• Enhanced (2023): Updated by the Executive Committee to provide more substantial recognition, ensuring UNM's "Heroes" receive the spotlight they deserve.
Throughout her eight years of leadership, President Stokes has affirmed that staff are essential to UNM’s success. Through UNM 2040: Opportunity Defined, she established a bold, inclusive vision for teaching, research, healthcare, and service that recognizes staff as vital partners in advancing the university’s mission. Many staff members have felt seen, valued, and strengthened in their sense of purpose under her leadership.
President Stokes has also championed shared governance, consistently supported Staff Council and ensured that staff voices are heard and respected in institutional decision-making. Her openness, collaboration, and willingness to listen have empowered staff not only to serve the university, but to help shape its future. President Stokes’ legacy is reflected not only in strategic achievements, but in the trust, inclusion, and appreciation she cultivated across our community. On behalf of the UNM Staff Council, we offer our heartfelt gratitude for her steadfast dedication to staff and her lasting impact on the University of New Mexico and our great state.
“President Stokes has been a consistent champion for staff voices," the Council shared during the presentation." Giving her this award during her last Traveling Office Hours felt like the perfect way to bring her tenure full circle." UNM Staff Council offers thanks to President Stokes for her tireless dedication and vision in leading the university.
As President Stokes wraps up her final rounds, she leaves behind a legacy of engagement — and a well-earned reminder that she will always be a “Hero” in the eyes of the Staff Council.
