Recognizing his remarkable abilities, F. Chris Garcia was selected as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1987, a position he held until 1990. Following his term as AVP, he returned to the political science faculty, only to be called back twice to serve as interim Provost, from January to July 1993 and from August 1998 to January 2000. In 2002, Garcia's esteemed colleagues petitioned for his appointment as the President of the University of New Mexico. Although initially hesitant to return to administration, he accepted the position as a demonstration of collegial support and to continue serving the university community. From 2002 to 2003, Garcia served as the university's President, becoming the first Hispanic American to hold this prestigious position at UNM.
Garcia's contributions to political science, his dedication to academia, and his trailblazing achievements in higher education administration have been widely recognized and honored throughout his extraordinary career. His enduring legacy inspires generations of scholars and leaders in the academic community.
The exceptional achievements of Garcia have not gone unnoticed, as he has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career. Among the notable distinctions bestowed upon him is the Silver Horizons Albuquerque Hall of Fame award in 2009, recognizing his significant contributions to the community. In 2007, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission, recognizing his outstanding service in higher education. In 2004, Garcia was presented with the prestigious Bernard S. Rodey Award for Educational Leadership by the UNM Alumni Association, acknowledging his exceptional leadership qualities. The State of New Mexico also recognized his dedication with the Governor's Distinguished Public Service Award in 2003. In 2001, Garcia received the Franklin J. Goodnow Award for Distinguished Service from the American Political Science Association, further cementing his status as a leading figure. Additionally, in 1997, he was honored with the University of New Mexico Alumni Association Zia Award for Outstanding UNM Alumni. His notable achievements have further led to his inclusion in various prestigious publications such as Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in America, and Who's Who Among Hispanic Americans.
