ADVANCE director retiring in 2026; search underway for new leader

ADVANCE at UNM Director Julia Fulghum has announced her retirement, effective June 30, 2026.

Fulghum, a chemistry professor, has spent 37 years as a faculty member. Her 24 years at UNM includes 23 years in various leadership positions including as chair of the former Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Department in the School of Engineering, vice president for research, and associate dean for faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“Founding and leading ADVANCE – now in its 10th year – has been some of the most deeply satisfying, most fun, and hardest work I’ve done in my faculty career,” Fulghum said. 

After so many years in academia, Fulghum is looking forward to doing more of the activities she enjoys, including hiking, photography,  and traveling with her husband, UNM chemistry professor Steve Cabaniss. He also will be retiring at the same time.

A UNM search committee is conducting an internal search for a new director, and Fulghum said the work of ADVANCE to support all faculty will continue.

“Together with collaborators across campus, we work to support faculty in having enjoyable and productive careers. Our efforts are developed based on campus data and experiences, and we pivot as events indicate different types of support are needed. I look forward to supporting the next director and the leadership team in continuing this ever-evolving work.”

Fulghum said she’ll be spending some of her post-retirement time in a part-time role supporting ADVANCE. 

“I’m honored to have had this opportunity. Together, we’ve built something significant,” she said. “The substantive collaborations, friendships, and shared joys and sorrows have helped us all to continue moving forward.”