To submit a proposal or to register, use links below.

UNM-Gallup to host Diversity Summit in April

Categories: Students   Faculty   Staff   Community  

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Event will create safe space for conversations on subjects of academic freedom, immigration, LGBTQ+ issues, and more

By Richard Reyes, Friday, January 30, 2026

GALLUP, N.M. — The University of New Mexico-Gallup will host the 2026 Statewide Diversity Summit on April 17-18, creating a safe space for students, educators and community members to share their experiences and learn from one another.

The Statewide Diversity Summit is a free, public event that aims to initiate conversations on how New Mexico’s higher education institutions can better support the growing diversity of student populations.

“The summit reflects the institution’s commitment to valuing diversity as a core value,” UNM-Gallup Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director L.D. Lovett said. “As an institution of higher education, we recognize diversity as one of our values and the understanding, acceptance, and respect for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, culture, or national origin. This year's Summit epitomizes who we are as an institution and how we recognize the freedom and rights of our students, professors, staff, and community.”

Lovett is one of the lead organizers for the event alongside Dr. Aretha Matt, an associate professor for UNM-Gallup.

The theme for the summit is “Náásgóó: Creating a Future of Solidarity and Liberation in N.M. Higher Education.” Matt explained that náásgóó is a Navajo word that means “moving forward.”

“We are saying we want to move forward together in solidarity — that we don’t have to be divisive,” she said. “We can move forward in a positive way.”

Sharing lived experiences

Breakout sessions during the summit will feature panel presentations and roundtable discussions led by academicians, community members, and political leaders on topics related to the following:

• Academic freedom.
• Immigration
• Leadership
• Impacts of funding cuts
• LGBTQ+ issues
• Facts vs. misinformation
• Library censorship
• First Amendment rights
• Experiences of international faculty and students

The conference offers the opportunity for the community to engage in conversations, listen to expert speakers, and participate in events designed to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion.

UNM-Gallup currently has an open call for proposals. Educators, librarians, community leaders, students or anyone with expertise in a particular subject is encouraged to submit a proposal.

“I would like to see people share their lived experiences in all those topics,” Matt said. “We would like to hear their voices and their experiences and figure out what are some of the ways in which we can help them. First, we’ve got to listen. And it really requires them to be open and vulnerable in sharing their experiences.”

Keynote speakers

The two-day summit will begin at 8 a.m. both days at the branch campus. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided.

Two keynote speakers have been confirmed for the event as of Friday, Jan. 30:

• Deputy Cabinet Secretary Dr. Patricia Trujillo, of the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
• Dr. Assata Zerai, vice president of the UNM Division for Change and Empowerment and professor of sociology.

Planning committee members are working to confirm two more keynote speakers. Details will be shared at a later date.

UNM-Gallup Chancellor Dr. Sabrina Ezzell and Dean of Instruction John Zimmerman are also scheduled to participate and deliver welcoming remarks during the summit.

A full schedule of presentations and keynote addresses will be available soon.

Presentation proposals for the summit are due by March 1, 2026. Submit a proposal for the event here: https://forms.office.com/r/EnP4uBWTHW

The summit is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/AwL0JpMXrD

For more information, please contact:

• L.D. Lovett: llovett@unm.edu or 505-863-7540
• Dr. Aretha Matt: matta@unm.edu or 505-863-7566