The University of New Mexico (UNM) has reappointed Camille Carey as dean of the School of Law, effective July 1, 2027. This decision, announced by Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Rodriguez, follows a formal review process conducted under university policies. Rodriguez emphasized the law school’s critical role in preparing attorneys who serve communities across New Mexico and expressed confidence in the school’s continued growth under Carey’s leadership.
Carey, who joined the UNM law faculty in 2009, has held various leadership positions, including vice dean and associate dean for Academic Affairs. She holds the Karelitz Chair in Evidence and Procedure and has taught courses such as Torts, Advanced Torts, and Civil Procedure. Prior to her tenure at UNM, Carey established and taught in the Domestic Violence Clinic at Yale Law School, focusing on serving immigrant and low-income women. She also worked at the Legal Aid Society of New York, representing immigrant victims of domestic violence in various legal matters.
Despite her reappointment, some community members have expressed concerns regarding Carey’s leadership. A coalition of UNM School of Law alumni and others have urged the university not to renew her contract, citing a decline in the enrollment of in-state students and a corresponding drop in Hispanic and Native American students. Traditionally, about 12% of each class were nonresidents; however, recent classes have seen approximately one-third of students coming from out of state. This shift has raised concerns about the school’s commitment to reflecting the diversity of New Mexico.
In response to these concerns, Carey has emphasized the law school’s responsibility to the state, stating, “We graduate most of New Mexico’s lawyers and many of the state’s policymakers and leaders. We also serve an important role in opening the doors of the law school so that our student body and our graduates reflect the diversity of our state.” She has expressed a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and strengthening the school’s relationships with various communities.
As Carey prepares for her second term, the UNM School of Law community remains engaged in discussions about diversity and representation, reflecting broader conversations within legal education about inclusivity and access.