About the University of New Mexico Founded in 1889 as New Mexico’s flagship institution, The University of New Mexico (UNM) now occupies nearly 800 acres near old Route 66 in the heart of Albuquerque, a metropolitan area of more than 900,000 people. From the magnificent mesas to the west, past the banks of the historic Rio Grande to the Sandia Mountains to the east, Albuquerque is a blend of culture and cuisine, styles and stories, people, pursuits and panoramas. As a Minority Serving Institution, the University represents a cross-section of cultures and backgrounds. The UNM campus is a dynamic environment with a variety of opportunities for students to include over 500 student groups and organizations ranging from academic societies to cultural clubs and recreational sports