School of Law Professor Warigia Bowman Sworn In as the First African American Albuquerque Public Schools Board Member
February 20, 2026
UNM School of Law Professor Warigia Bowman was sworn in on January 7 as the elected representative for Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) District 6, making history as the first African American to serve on the APS Board of Education.
Professor Bowman was sworn in by Judge Stan Whitaker (’99), a UNM School of Law alumnus, during the recent ceremony marking the start of her term. Her election marks a significant milestone for APS and reflects her longstanding commitment to public service, education, and community leadership.
At the School of Law, Professor Bowman teaches water law, administrative law, natural resources, and property. She brings extensive experience in law and policy across local, state, federal, and international settings, including consulting for the United Nations, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Department of State.
“I promise to represent the immigrants. I am from an immigrant family,” Bowman said. “I promise to represent English language learners, because I'm from a family of English language learners. I promise to represent the poor and those who did not get enough resources and do not have enough resources because my family were coal miners in the Appalachians and peasant farmers in Africa.”
Professor Bowman will serve a four-year term on the APS Board of Education.
