Dr. Steve Goldstein became the 24th president of The University of New Mexico on July 15, 2026. A nationally recognized physician-scientist, educator, and higher education leader, he brings more than three decades of experience advancing research universities, academic health systems, and student success.

Goldstein’s leadership aligns with UNM's mission as New Mexico's flagship R1 research university, Hispanic-Serving Institution, and academic health center dedicated to serving communities across the state. His experience working with federal research agencies and translating scientific discovery into community impact complements UNM's partnerships with Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories and its commitment to advancing New Mexico's economy.

As vice chancellor for health affairs and a member of the University of California, Irvine's senior leadership team, Goldstein helped advance university-wide initiatives spanning education, research, healthcare, and community engagement while leading a $5.5 billion academic health enterprise integrating education, research, and patient care. During his tenure, the College of Health Sciences expanded through the creation of schools of pharmacy and public health, research funding increased by 72%, philanthropic support exceeded $1 billion, and clinical services grew fourfold to serve more than five million patients annually.

Throughout his career as a pediatrician, scientist, and academic leader, Goldstein has focused on the mission of research universities: expanding opportunity, generating new knowledge, and improving lives. His leadership is grounded in student success, interdisciplinary collaboration, shared governance, and strategic investment in research, teaching, and innovation.

Goldstein is committed to creating an environment where students, faculty, and staff thrive while expanding the University's impact on the communities it serves. He believes the nation's public research universities have a unique responsibility to expand opportunity, drive innovation, strengthen communities, and prepare the next generation of leaders.

He has held senior leadership roles at Yale University, the University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, and Brandeis University, where he served as provost overseeing academic affairs, including undergraduate and graduate education.

A distinguished physician-scientist, Goldstein has made foundational contributions to understanding ion channels and their roles in diseases affecting the heart, lungs, and nervous system.

Goldstein earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Brandeis University and M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in immunology from Harvard University. A Fellow of both the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Pediatrics, he has served in national advisory roles for the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.

Goldstein is committed to working alongside students, faculty, and staff to advance the institution’s academic, research, and healthcare priorities, and is eager to engage with stakeholders—including alumni, tribal nations, community partners, and policymakers—to further strengthen The University of New Mexico's mission of education, research, healthcare, and service.

He and his family look forward to becoming part of the New Mexico community.