The recipient of this year’s Social Justice Award from New Mexico State University’s Department of Government is NMSU professor of public health Jagdish Khubchandani. The award reception kicked off the 2025 J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Symposium April 29-May 1.
Government department head Neil Harvey presented the award to Khubchandani, professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences in the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation, at the opening reception of the 2025 J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Symposium. The award is presented each year to an NMSU faculty member, staff or student who has volunteered to help create a more just society.
“I have always believed that health should be a right and not a privilege. Until we achieve that universal goal of health for all, our work in the area of social justice helps uplift those that suffer the most from poor health and lack of opportunities to lead a fulfilling life,” Khubchandani said. “I dedicate this award to NMSU staff members who are our frontliners and supporters in all the work I do to help realize the goal of fair societies and healthier lives.”
Khubchandani teaches in the areas of epidemiology, environmental health and evaluation. Ever since his training as a medical student in India, he has engaged with people across communities and countries regardless of their background. For his work in community service, he was also awarded the Indiana Governor’s Service Learning Award in 2012.
“Dr. Khubchandani’s work on gun violence and a variety of public health challenges has gained national and international recognition and he has made significant contributions to our understanding of diverse responses to vaccine rollout and mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Harvey. “Dr. Khubchandani promotes social justice in public health while seeking to build understanding among different groups and avoid adding to social divisions. He is a very deserving recipient of the Department of Government’s Social Justice Award.”
Thursday, May 1, day three and the final evening of the symposium, will begin with a mixer from 5 to 5:30 p.m. followed by a presentation by NMSU professor Spencer Hererra titled “Ser Sincera: Sharing Our Stories to Remember, Connect, and Create Knowledge.” After Hererra, Phame Camarena, dean of the William Conroy Honors College, will give a talk titled “Critical Thought and the Value of Higher Education in 2025 and Beyond.” The talks will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the presenters. Zoom webinar access to day three of the symposium is available at https://nmsu.zoom.us/j/84104888524.
Parking is free on campus after 4:30 p.m. Visitors may find the most convenient place to park on the campus parking map.
Details about the speakers and more about the J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Symposium is available at the symposium website.
CUTLINE: From Left: Neil Harvey, head of NMSU’s Department of Government, presents the 2025 Social Justice Award to Jagdish Khubchandani, professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences in the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation, at the opening night of the J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Symposium. (Photo by Spencer Herrera)
CUTLINE: Jagdish Khubchandani, professor of public health in the Department of Public Health Sciences in the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation at New Mexico State University, received this year’s Social Justice Award from NMSU’s Department of Government. (Courtesy photo)