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Lift and Lead With The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership

UNM Anderson students win sales competitions
Grad student Kiana Alvarez celebrates top honors at the 2025 National Collegiate Sales Competition, with teammates Kaitlin Rasmusen and Than Ngo advancing to the Sweet 16.

The Ellis School of Business Leadership is at the forefront of business education in New Mexico—preparing students not only to thrive in today’s competitive workforce, but to lead with integrity, innovation, and impact. Recognized among the top 2% of business schools worldwide with dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting, UNM Ellis is fueling New Mexico’s economic future by educating diverse, driven, and capable leaders.

Guided by a bold new five-year strategic plan, The Ellis School of Business Leadership is accelerating its trajectory through five strategic priorities:

  • Expanding transformative experiential learning opportunities
  • Strengthening career readiness and job connections
  • Driving innovation in education and curriculum
  • Supporting research that serves regional growth
  • Making education more accessible through scholarships

During the 2025-2026 academic year, our students and faculty achieved national recognition for excellence and innovation. Lobo Investment Club members David Dávila and Samuel Landis earned first place in the Chicago Quantitative Analysis Challenge, outperforming 50 teams from institutions including Stanford and the University of Michigan, while an Ellis student team advanced to the semifinals of the National Ethics Case Competition and earned publication of its competition essay.

Faculty continued to elevate the school's national profile through impactful research and industry leadership. Distinguished Professor Xin “Robert” Luo was ranked No. 1 globally for publications in Association for Information Systems premier journals, and Associate Professor Dimitri Kapelianis received the inaugural Innovation and Workforce Development Award from the New Mexico Broadcasters Association.

UNM Ellis also strengthened connections between students and industry through signature programs such as Meet the Firms and Mentoring Monday, providing valuable opportunities for career exploration, networking, and engagement with business leaders and alumni.

Your gift helps grow and sustain this momentum. Philanthropic support plays a vital role in delivering high-impact learning, attracting world-class faculty, supporting student achievement, and strengthening industry and community partnerships.

 

 

See firsthand how your generosity is transforming the student experience.

 

 

 

The Ellis School of Business Leadership's Current Giving Priorities

 

Students excited about internships

Ellis Student Success Fund

The Student Success Fund empowers students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. Your support helps provide paid internships, industry-sponsored projects, national competition travel, and leadership development experiences. These opportunities build critical professional skills and give students a competitive edge after graduation.

Donations help Ellis students compete

Ellis Dean's Fund for Excellence

As The Ellis School of Business Leadership evolves to meet the needs of a dynamic economy, flexible funding is essential. The Dean’s Fund allows leadership to respond quickly to emerging opportunities and invest in strategic priorities that improve student outcomes and strengthen the school’s position regionally and nationally.

Ellis Faculty Excellence Fund

World-class teaching and mentorship are the foundation of our success. This fund supports faculty with resources for innovative teaching, research, and special initiatives that enhance student learning and extend Ellis' impact across communities and industries.

Donations to The Ellis School scholarship fund help students graduate

Ellis General Scholarship Fund

With more than 40% of students at The Ellis School of Business Leadership facing significant financial challenges, scholarships can be the key to academic persistence and graduation. Your gift helps make education more affordable, supports a diverse student body, and ensures that talented students from all backgrounds can succeed and lead.

 

When you invest in The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership, you're not just supporting a school—you’re shaping the future of New Mexico’s business leadership and opening doors for the next generation of changemakers.

To learn more or discuss how your gift can make a difference, please contact:

Melanie Hitchcock
Janice Ruggiero