Western New Mexico University honors the legacy of President Emeritus Dr. John Eldridge Counts, who passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Born on March 21, 1941, in Denver, Colorado, Counts was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and also earned two Master of Science degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a PhD from the University of Texas. He served in the U.S. Army for 33 years. As a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger for the 82nd Airborne Division, he served three tours—one in the Dominican Republic and two in Vietnam—where he received multiple Bronze Stars as well as two Purple Hearts. In addition, he served eight years in Germany, including 40 months as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Command in Berlin during the fall of the Berlin Wall. His stateside tours included three years on the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and serving as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA.
Counts joined WNMU in 1992 as Division Director for Business, Math, and Computer Science, and he became President of Western New Mexico University in December 1993 after serving for a month as acting president.
Counts’ 18-year tenure as President was characterized by substantial institutional fiscal stability and growth through the addition of four new learning centers in Truth or Consequences, Deming, Lordsburg and Socorro; the significant growth in online courses and the Virtual Campus; ITV delivery of courses, responsive educational retraining programming for laid-off copper miners and other workers; construction of the Thomas B. McDonald Student Memorial Building; construction of the Besse Forward Global Resource Center; expansion of Miller Library; electrical and lighting renovation and installation of an elevator at the WNMU Museum (Fleming Hall); construction of the School of Nursing; renovation of Watts Hall into Adult Basic Education programs, construction of a new football field and athletic training facilities; renovations of the President’s home, Juan Chacon Building, Light Hall, and the renovation of the Chino Building which began in 2010.
Counts started the university’s quality journey in 1993 with the implementation of TQM (Total Quality Management). After receiving QNM’s Roadrunner and Pinon Awards, WNMU received the Zia Award in 2003. WNMU was the first 4-year higher education institution to receive the Zia Award in the state of New Mexico for quality practices.
Counts retired from Western New Mexico University on June 31, 2011, and was awarded the title of President Emeritus.
“President Emeritus Counts is remembered as a dynamic leader during challenging times,” said WNMU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs /Acting Interim President Dr. Jack Crocker. “With appreciation for his distinguished leadership, the University community offers sincere condolences to his family.”
Online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.
