UNM-G Helps Pave the Gallup Brick Road to Economic Development

By Dr. Sabrina Ezzell, Chancellor, The University of New Mexico-Gallup

Economic Development Week will kick-off on Monday, May 6, 2024, with the theme “The Gallup Brick Road: There’s No Place Like Gallup!” There are many individuals, businesses, agencies, and institutions that help make that statement true by encouraging economic growth in their own unique fashion. The University of New Mexico-Gallup is one of those institutions, acting as a key driver of economic development in several ways: 

• Workforce Development: As a community college, UNM-Gallup is positioned to make this a core contribution. Working with the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation and through independent outreach, we offer programs tailored to the specific needs of the local job market, working directly with businesses to identify in-demand skills. This ensures a steady supply of qualified workers for local companies, which in turn fosters business growth. Ashlee Velasquez is the new Workforce Development Director at UNM-G. She is excited to connect with local employers to build a program that meets employment needs of the community. Velasquez can be reached at 505-863-7634 or avelasquez1127@unm.edu. 
• Building a Skilled Workforce: UNM-Gallup provides education and training opportunities that go beyond traditional four-year degrees. We offer certificates, associate degrees, and other programs that equip individuals with the technical skills needed for specific jobs. This helps to close the skills gap and ensure a competitive workforce. 
• Lifelong Learning: The economy constantly evolves, requiring workers to adapt and update their skillsets. UNM-Gallup offers continuing education and training programs that allow individuals to stay current in their fields or transition to new careers. This adaptability keeps the workforce strong and responsive to economic changes. UNM-Gallup recently added alternative licensure certificates in elementary and secondary education to help individuals with a bachelor’s degree outside of education to become teachers and help address K-12 teacher vacancies in McKinley County. 
• Entrepreneurship Support: Many community colleges offer programs and resources to help aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Branches of UNM, including UNM-Gallup, are the locations for Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). Programs and resources can include business planning workshops, access to incubators and co-working spaces, and mentorship opportunities. By fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship, community colleges contribute to creating new jobs and stimulating local economic activity. The SBDC office at UNM-Gallup can be reached at 505-925- 8980. 
• Community Engagement: Community colleges are deeply rooted in their communities. They often partner with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to develop and implement economic development initiatives. This collaborative approach helps to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and benefits everyone in the community. 

In short, community colleges act as a bridge between education and the workforce, playing a vital role in preparing a skilled and adaptable workforce, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting overall economic well-being in their communities. UNM-Gallup recognizes the importance of workforce development and values collaboration with community partners to remain current in workforce training and education. We are honored to be a community partner in paving the Gallup Brick Road toward economic development and showcasing why there’s no place like Gallup.