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Sabrina Ezzell is the chancellor of UNMGallup.

The engine of progress: How UNMGallup fuels talent and trade

Categories: Students   Faculty   Staff   Community  

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By Sabrina Ezzell, Chancellor, Wednesday May 6, 2026

GALLUP, N.M. — In the rugged, beautiful landscape of McKinley County, UNMGallup stands as more than just a campus — it is a vital engine for economic and social mobility. Operating with a dedicated community college mission, UNMGallup serves as the primary bridge between ambition and achievement for a diverse population, including the Navajo Nation and Pueblo of Zuni. By focusing on the dual pillars of talent and trade, UNMGallup is effectively driving the region forward.

The most significant export of UNMGallup isn’t a product, but a skilled workforce. As the largest branch campus of ÒÁÈ˾þÃ, Gallup specializes in transforming local potential into professional expertise. The college provides high school students and adult learners with hands-on training in high-demand fields:

• Healthcare: The nursing and health sciences programs are lifelines for the region, staffing local hospitals with culturally competent professionals who understand the unique needs of the community.
• Applied technologies: Programs in welding, automotive technology, and construction ensure that the physical infrastructure of Gallup is built and maintained by its own residents.
• Public Safety: With the development of new local law enforcement training initiatives, the college is helping to secure the region’s future by training those who feel a personal stake in the community’s well-being.

The city of Gallup has long been a crossroads of commerce, and UNMGallup ensures that local trade remains competitive in a digital age. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located on campus acts as an incubator for the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the city. By providing technical assistance to local artisans and small business owners, the college helps preserve the traditional "trade" of the region — Native American arts and crafts — while modernizing business operations.

Furthermore, the University’s commitment to institutional effectiveness means it is constantly aligning its curriculum with the needs of local industry. Whether it’s training the next generation of commercial drivers or providing the academic foundation for transferring to a four-year institution, the college ensures that the "talent" produced matches the "trade" required to keep Gallup’s economy thriving.

As a community college, UNMGallup’s greatest strength is its accessibility. It provides a sanctuary for learning where 60% of students are first-generation college attendees. By offering a path to both four-year degrees and immediate vocational certifications, it creates a flexible ladder of opportunity.

The institution does not just react to the economy; it anticipates it. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on financial stewardship, UNMGallup remains a stable anchor in an ever-changing landscape. It is here — at the intersection of education and industry — that the future of Gallup is being written, one student at a time.

Editor’s note: This column is presented as part of UNMGallup’s annual celebration of Economic Development Week in partnership with the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation.