UNM alumna and New Mexico Congresswoman Deb Haalandwas recently confirmed as the newest member of U.S. President Joe Biden’s Cabinet.
The congresswoman is a 35th generation New Mexican, and a member of the Pueblo of Laguna with Jemez Pueblo heritage as well. Haaland graduated from UNM in 1994 with a degree in English, and went on to graduate from UNM School of Law in 2006.
Haaland will lead the federal agency that oversees nearly 500 million acres of surface land – a majority of the nation’s public lands, waterways, wildlife preserves, national parks and mineral wealth – a role that has tremendous significance for the 574 federally recognized tribes. Read more about Deb Haaland’s historic confirmation through the UNM Newsroom and with The Daily Lobo.