The Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Board of Regents met in a hybrid session at the J. Cloyd Miller Library on Friday, April 24, 2026, to finalize critical leadership agreements and establish the university’s financial roadmap for the upcoming fiscal year. Board Chair Steven Neville presided over the meeting, joined by Regents John V. Wertheim, Keana Huerta, J. Dean Reed, and Gregory Trujillo, as well as the executive leadership team.
A primary highlight of the session was the approval of the Rank and Tenure Agreement for incoming President Jose Coll, Ph.D., presented by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jack Crocker, Ph.D. This action formalizes the academic standing for the university’s incoming leadership following the extensive presidential search concluded earlier this spring.
Crocker also presented a comprehensive five-year plan for new program offerings, emphasizing the university’s commitment to adapting its curriculum to meet evolving workforce demands. Additionally, the Board moved to approve several faculty-focused items, including:
- Promotion and Tenure: Recognizing the scholarly achievements and service of dedicated faculty members.
- Post-Tenure Review: Ensuring continued academic rigor and professional development.
- Sabbatical Leave: Granting faculty opportunities for intensive research and creative projects.
- Faculty Handbook Revisions: Approving updates presented by Faculty Senate President Gregory Robinson-Guerra, Ph.D., to streamline university governance.
Vice President of Business Affairs Kelley Riddle led the Board through a series of financial approvals, most notably the fiscal year 2027 operating budget. This budget serves as the foundational financial plan for the next academic year, building on the university’s efforts to maintain stability following previous enrollment fluctuations.
The Regents also formally accepted the fiscal year 2025 final audit report and approved the fiscal year 2026f final budget adjustment request. These actions reflect the university’s continued emphasis on transparent financial management.
Further business included:
- LITEPATH Project: The Board passed a resolution naming the authorized representative for the LITEPATH project, a key regional connectivity initiative.
- Student Support: A resolution for the Student Regent Scholarship was approved, reinforcing the university’s support for student leadership.
- Annual Asset Disposal: Ensuring efficient management of university resources.
Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., called special attention to the student commencement stories featured on the university website, highlighting how these narratives serve as a profound reflection of the diverse and resilient WNMU student population. He noted that these stories capture the unique backgrounds and perspectives of the students, and that each profile provides clear evidence that WNMU really does change lives, illustrating the journey from ambition to achievement.
The meeting concluded following the election of officers, establishing the leadership structure for the Board’s next term and a call for public comment. A recording of the meeting is posted on the WNMU Board Meetings video archive webpage at: https://wnmu.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Sessions/List.aspx#folderID=%225adab8d0-1f22-4dc1-926e-ad6b013b0012%22.
The next Board of Regents meeting will be held on a date to be determined.