The Board of Regents at Western New Mexico University met on Tuesday at the Silver City campus for one of its four quarterly meetings of the year.
Regent members discussed several items including the university’s plan to address accreditation in 2018. WNMU’s accreditation was reaffirmed in 2014 and has now begun a ten-year process for its next accreditation affirmation under the Open Pathway option for accreditation. WNMU is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is preparing for an initial assurance argument document report to the organization in September of 2018.
A presentation by Dr. Jack Crocker, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, included information on the university’s new distinction goals. Regent members previously established new areas of distinction and enhancers. The areas of distinction are (1) logistics/delivery, (2) drone certification and (3) applied liberal arts. The enhancers are (1) rural healthcare, (2) rural education, (3) company-based curriculum (CBC), (4) international studies and (5) the Gila. Crocker updated the board on progress made on reaching the goals including plans for a new nurse practitioner degree with a focus on rural health.
All agenda items were approved unanimously including the annual performance review of President Joseph Shepard. Board members praised Dr. Shepard stating that he continues to exceed the Board’s goals and expectations.
“We are pleased to a great extent in all the areas that we have placed on the table for President Shepard,” said Dan Salzwedel, Regent President. “He has exceeded his performance requirements.”
President Shepard reported on the current enrollment, which is estimated to be flat compared to the previous fall semester. A slight increase in tuition revenue and an increase in enrolled credit hours are expected.
The Board also acted on its intention to create two new subcommittees, the Governance/Operations and Personnel committees. The next board meeting is scheduled for December 8 in Silver City.