Would it be a shock to know that one of the most reputed research centers in the country is located right here at UNM? Would you be even more surprised if you found out that the same center has been making groundbreaking discoveries for 35 years, but.
After a nationwide search, Ellen R. Fisher, vice president for research at the University of New Mexico, has named Professor Katie Witkiewitz director of the Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addictions (CASAA). Witkiewitz will take over as director.
Distinguished professor and long-time director of CASAA retires July 27, 2021
For the last 14 years University of New Mexico Distinguished Professor Barbara McCrady has led research studies that are cutting edge and at times life-changing that have been recognized across the United States and internationally, but she says that her proudest moments have been the opportunities she has had to hood her Ph.D. students at graduation. Those opportunities are coming to an end as McCrady retires this summer after spending more than 40 years in higher education, dedicated to empowering students to better their lives and the lives of others with knowledge.
J. Scott Tonigan, director of the Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addictions (CASAA) at The University of New Mexico knows that the impact of research done stretches far into the Albuquerque community and beyond. He has been with CASAA since its inception in the late 1980s.
“CASAA’s mission is to alleviate suffering associated with substance use through mutual respect,” he says. “We are always looking to answer the question: What exactly is the problem, and how do we solve it?”
Tonigan’s life as a Lobo began in his youth. His father joined the faculty in the UNM Department of Educational Administration (now called Educational Leadership) in the College of Education and Human Sciences when the family moved to Albuquerque in 1967. Both Scott and his brother received degrees here. In addition, 11 of Tonigan’s family members have received undergraduate or graduate degrees from UNM.