Nestled in the heart of scientific innovation, UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) has grown from a modest graduate center into a vibrant hub of education and community impact. Its journey began in 1956, when the University of New Mexico planted its first academic seed in Los Alamos with the establishment of the UNM-Los Alamos Center for Graduate Studies. Originally focused on advanced degrees in science, engineering, management and health, the center quickly became a cornerstone for professionals working at the nearby Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
By the fall of 1970, UNM expanded its reach to undergraduate students with the creation of the University of New Mexico Residence Center. Just three years later, Los Alamos became part of the newly formed UNM Northern Branch College. Though this branch was absorbed into Northern New Mexico Community College in 1977, the spirit of UNM in Los Alamos remained strong.
A pivotal moment came in 1980, when a local referendum and legislative approval led to the founding of the Los Alamos Branch Campus of The University of New Mexico. Operating out of the Little Valley School on Orange Street, the campus began its mission to serve the educational needs of the community. That same year, the campus moved to its permanent home at 4000 University Drive, marking the beginning of a new era.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, UNM-LA continued to evolve. The campus remodeled and expanded its facilities in 1982-83 and celebrated a major milestone with a dedication ceremony led by Governor Toney Anaya in 1984. The acquisition and transformation of the Mesa Gymnasium in 1989 added much-needed classroom space, and by 1996, the Learning Resource Center was completed — bringing together the Library, Tutorial Center and Adult Basic Education Program under one roof.
In 2000, the remodeled Student Services Center opened its doors, further enhancing the student experience. In the mid-2000s, Building 8 was added to the campus, continuing the tradition of growth and modernization. Then in 2019, UNM-LA launched the Nuclear Enterprise Science and Technology (NEST) program in partnership with LANL. This groundbreaking initiative was designed to enhance the training of technicians, technologists and other technical staff in the handling of special nuclear materials — specifically plutonium — addressing critical workforce needs in national security.
Building on that momentum, 2021 saw the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at UNM-LA, in collaboration with the UNM School of Engineering. This program allows students to complete their entire degree in Los Alamos, directly supporting LANL’s workforce pipeline and offering a high-quality engineering education close to home.
Most recently, in 2023-24, Building 6 underwent a complete transformation. Gutted, remodeled, and reopened, it now stands as a symbol of UNM-LA’s commitment to providing modern, flexible learning spaces for the next generation of students.
From its origins as a graduate center to its current role as a dynamic branch campus, UNM-LA continues to honor its mission: to educate, innovate and inspire — right in the heart of one of the world’s most renowned scientific communities.
UNM-LA is celebrating its 45th anniversary on Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Student Center from 3:30-5:30 p.m. There will be commemorative swag, food and music. The community is invited. RSVPing isn't required but is encouraged. RSVP at unmlacommunications@unm.edu.
