The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents approved tuition and fees for the 2026-2027 academic year and advanced the purchase of Sixth Street Elementary School during a hybrid meeting held Friday, April 10, 2026.
Regent J. Dean Reed, Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., and members of the university’s executive leadership team attended in person from the Serna Conference Room. Regents Steven Neville, John V. Wertheim, Gregory Trujillo and Keana Huerta attending virtually. Incoming President Jose Coll, Ph.D. was also present in person.
Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Betsy Miller and Associated Students of WNMU President Carlos Carranza opened the meeting with a presentation on student fees. Carranza provided a detailed overview of the proposed fee structure, noting there will be no net increase in student fees for the upcoming academic year.
Vice President of Business Affairs Kelley Riddle added that required fees include debt service for recent campus improvements such as the renovation of the university’s softball complex and construction of a climbing wall in the university gym. The Follett Access program, which provides required textbooks, will also continue, with students retaining the option to opt out at the beginning of each semester.
Vice President Riddle then presented the proposed tuition rates, which also include no increase for 2026-2027. “This is the third year that we have not increased tuition,” said Riddle, but noted the university should proceed with caution as the costs for day-to-day operational expenses continue to increase.
Following the approval of tuition and fees, Vice President Riddle presented the third quarter financial certification for fiscal year 2026. Reporting no issues with university balances and no significant budget adjustments, Riddle also noted the university continues to maintain reserves above the 3% required threshold.
Finally, the board authorized the university to move forward with pursuing the purchase of Sixth Street Elementary School from the Silver Consolidated Schools District for $1.4 million. The facility will house the College of Education’s early childhood programs, including the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education, and will replace the earlier proposed new construction on university-owned property.
“This facility will provide twice the space for half the cost and will be available sooner than if we had to build from the ground-up,” said Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., who also noted the university anticipates the new facility to be ready for fall 2027.
The board also approved a joint resolution supporting the purchase of the facility. The resolution will next go before the Silver Consolidated Schools Board of Education for consideration. Next, the project will proceed to the New Mexico Higher Education Department for review on Monday, April 13, followed by a capital outlay hearing committee on Wednesday, May 13, and then the State Board of Finance for final approval on Tuesday, June 16. Upon receiving all required state approvals, the university will have 30 days to close on the property.
During closing remarks, Regent Reed invited Incoming President Coll to address the board and campus community.
“It’s been a delight to spend the past week on campus, walking the halls, meeting with students and dining on campus and in the community,” said Coll, who added he will return to campus for Commencement on May 8.
The date for the next Board of Regents meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2026.
A recording of the meeting will be 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