Present: J. Corley, M. Moyer, E. Lightfoot, E. Costilla, P. West-Okiri, M. Nienow, N. Peralta, L. Howard, J. Groover, J. Panhorst, S. Ortiz, K. Oreskovich, T. Arguello, A. Sallee, N. Chignoli, R. Serafin
Call to Order – 9:03 am
Approval of Minutes (emailed to the group 04.16.26) – Lightfoot/Nienow – approved
Approval of Agenda – Panhorst/Corley – approved
New members/visitors – none at this time (add Eric Moore back to the listserv)
Legislative, Policy, Regulatory Updates – Alvin Sallee for Rep. Chavez
- Committees have started meeting already for the year. There has not been much on social work yet.
- There is a lot of focus on UNM Health with the $600m for the medical school. The HHS Committee resumes in July.
- Rep. Chavez is working to bring forth efforts for a CYFD Commission. She has brought together work groups and is talking with gubernatorial candidates. The Commission would have 3 members to oversee and support the leader of CYFD. Haaland is in support. Bregman is not entirely on board. Rep. Chavez would love feedback from the group on the Commission.
- The AG released his 215-page report on CYFD. He recommended and laid out a plan to focus the workforce on social workers. Alvin has mentioned a partnership with the schools of social work to accomplish this. The report recommends leadership needs to be a blank slate.
- Social work is not classified as a professional degree for federal loans. This is something to keep an eye on. This may impact grants and loans that schools of social work can pursue.
- There will be a 60-day session and a new governor. This translates
Treasurer’s Report – Mary Nienow
We have no new funds at this time. We have spent our $50k for this year on prior allocations. We should be hearing soon on allocation for the coming year.
Chair’s report:
- Committee status: Policy and Advocacy (licensing will be folded into this) and Professional Development (practice-oriented)
- Executive Committee positions for 2026-28
- The nomination ballot has been sent out. Once nominees have confirmed their interest in serving, the ballot for elections will be sent out in early June.
- The nominations ballot will be sent out again in a separate email.
- June meeting/election
- Transfer of Executive Committee roles
Higher Education Updates for AY25-26
- ENMU
- BSW has 125 students in total
- MSW accepted 82 students across 3 terms
- BSW: 33 NM residents graduated, 45 graduates overall
- MSW: 29 NM residents graduates, 35 graduates overall
- NMHU – this request was made without a response from the school. The new Dean is slated to begin July 15th.
- NMSU
- 50 BSW graduates (37 in state)
- 76 MSW students (54 in state)
- 126 total (91 in state)
- Incoming MSW numbers look good! The majority of growth is in the advanced standing program. The BSW program is 60-65 admitted currently, but admissions are still open. Main campus numbers are higher than they have been in years past, and we are very excited about that.
- UNM – candidacy update
- Passed a few important milestones to establish the program. The 1st site visit feedback was positive. They are on the BOA agenda for October to move into the candidacy phase.
- The NM state process has been cleared. They are getting their CIP code to open admissions this summer.
- The data requested on 5-year projections was unconventional and unexpected. Jen thanked the schools for their responses and support in this process.
- WNMU
- Alongside NMSU WNMU is also seeing a growth in BSW students transitioning to their advanced standing. Unable to gather this data due to the short turnaround.
- June 3rd is the SOWK school convening – very excited about this and looking forward to hosting everyone 🙂
- Incoming university president is a social worker, and his wife is a social worker as well! This is very exciting for them as well and good things to come.
- Estilla has agreed to stay on as Assoc Dean for the next year.
- Patti will be able to send more updates as to numbers in the coming days. The UG is a rolling admit without cohorts and the GR has 5 admissions dates. Their unconventional admissions and curricular flow can make an accurate count more complex
- 115 graduates in May (30 UG) – fall and summer will be gathered.
- All instate practicum students are receiving a stipend from the workforce grow money.
- There will be a new clinical certificate in the MSW program beginning in the Fall of 2026. This will add to the school’s social work, military social work, rural practice, and outdoor behavioral health certificates.
Practice Community Input
- Kristin Oreskovich. Legislative funding for behavioral health is being used to start loan repayment programs for those going into field work with kids. There is also funding for those looking to precept students. She will be sharing a one-pager for circulation.
- Ellen Costilla. There is a conference for NASW-NN on June 17 & 18 at Sandia Resort and Casino! She is presenting on Ethics with Dr. Knox. UNM is also tabling for recruitment. Hope to see you all there 🙂 I am also on a coalition for Safer NM nonprofit. She would love a practicum studentfor advocacy and community development placement.
- Logan Howard. Policy updates! Working with Rep. Chavez on Commission. Working with DOH on overdose prevention site memorial. Legislative taskforce on youth violence. Work with Speaker’s staff on JJS educational packet – presenting on CCJ and successful state projects to highlight more compassionate approaches to juvenile work. On internships, his organization is a direct practice emphasis but has recently expanded to mezzo and macro. They are now accepting a broader scope of interns across disciplines to connect the work! Contact Logan with questions or interest in joining the work.
Announcements
- WNMU hosting the schools of social work June 3rd. This is resuming after a long hiatus. Very exciting times!
- Patti’s last meeting as our Chair! Thank you for this service. This has been such a wonderful experience for Mary Nienow acclimating to NM.
Motion to Adjourn: Nienow/Panhorst 10:03 am.
Upcoming meeting: July 16th – 9-10:30 am via zoom