Over $175 million will go toward capital projects and initiatives at colleges, universities and special schools statewide
Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez has appointed Luis Carlos Campos to chair the Higher Education Department Capital Outlay Committee, which provides funding and approval recommendations to the department for all construction and infrastructure projects at New Mexico’s 29 public and tribal colleges, universities and specials schools in addition to the University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Center.
“Mr. Luis Carlos Campos is a seasoned and competent professional with more than 30 years of experience in facilities management and architecture, most of which has been at New Mexico public colleges and universities. The New Mexico Higher Education Department is fortunate to welcome such a qualified candidate with New Mexico roots. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue the important work of building safe and high-quality spaces for New Mexico students to learn and thrive,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham approved $152.9 million for higher education capital projects this year, which will fund 140 capital projects at 28 public and tribal colleges, universities and specials schools statewide, with an additional $15 million supporting building renewal and replacement needs to support building maintenance and facility improvements. Another $5 million will go towards facility demolition with $3 million supporting equipment renewal and replacement for higher education institutions. These projects are estimated to create over 1,700 jobs in New Mexico.
“New Mexico institutions of higher education are important economic drivers, providing opportunities for workforce development and innovative research to keep up with the needs of the ever-evolving global economy. I am excited to be able to work with the New Mexico Higher Education Department and New Mexico colleges and universities to improve, repair and enhance their physical environment to support the needs of our students, faculty and staff, and make an impact on all New Mexicans,” said newly appointed Higher Education Capital Outlay Committee Chair Campos.
Chairman Campos comes to the role after serving as senior manager for facilities operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Health Care Services Corporation, where he oversees operations in New Mexico, Montana and Oklahoma. He previously served as associate vice president for facilities and services at New Mexico State University, statewide facilities administrator for the New Mexico Administration of the Courts, executive physical plant director and director of facilities management and planning at Central New Mexico Community College, and director of facilities management and architect at the Institute of American Indian Arts. He has extensive experience in project, construction and budget management, including projects focused on safety and sustainability.
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Mr. Campos in his roles at Central New Mexico Community College and New Mexico State University, and I look forward to the wealth of knowledge and experience he will bring to the Higher Education Capital Outlay Committee. The department is charged with the review and approval of millions of dollars in capital outlay funding and having Mr. Campos as the chair of our committee continues our commitment to good stewardship of taxpayer dollars now and into the future,” said Director Gerald Hoehne, Capital Projects Division.
Chairman Campos holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in architecture from the University of New Mexico’s renowned School of Architecture and Planning, and previously studied architecture at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua in Mexico. He is also a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education and the Association of Physical Plant Administrators.
The Higher Education Capital Outlay Committee will host its annual summer hearings this July and August, which will take place in Carlsbad, Portales, Los Lunas, and Santa Fe to review proposals for projects breaking ground in 2025.
A comprehensive list of higher education capital projects signed by Gov. Lujan Grisham this past legislative session is available here.
For more information about the New Mexico Higher Education Department or the Higher Education Capital Outlay Committee, visit hed.nm.gov.