DEMING – The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents convened Wednesday, April 9, in Silver City, marking the first meeting for newly appointed members Steven Neville, John V. Wertheim, Keana Huerta and J. Dean Reed.
The Board began by selecting officers: Neville will serve as chair, Wertheim as vice chair, Reed as treasurer, and Huerta as deputy treasurer and secretary.
After routine approvals and setting the next meeting dates for April 29 and May 8, the Regents were welcomed by university leaders. Dr. Jack Crocker, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, opened with a message of gratitude: “We are very happy that you are here and that you are willing to serve and have committed to it.” Additional greetings came from Faculty Senate President Phil Schoenberg, Staff Senate President Bart Brown, and Student Body President Brenda Dominguez.
Dr. Crocker presented an informational update that included a preview of upcoming campus events. The meeting then turned to major business matters, beginning with an announcement that the Regents will initiate a search for an interim president. They also plan to solicit proposals from national search firms to recruit candidates for a permanent university president.
Vice President for Business Affairs Kelley Riddle presented the university’s 2023-2024 audit report, which was accepted without findings by the Office of the State Auditor. She also reported that a required forensic audit is being conducted by the Jaramillo Accounting Group, with results expected by June 30.
Student Body President Dominguez presented proposed changes to student fees for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Board approved the revised fees, which will result in a slight decrease in per-credit charges. Regents also voted to keep tuition rates unchanged for the coming year.
Public comments were followed by final remarks from the Regents. Chair Neville, a New Mexico State University alum and former state senator, praised WNMU’s unique setting and mission. “This was always one of my favorite campuses,” he said. “It is a great institution, and a great setting—this county and the Gila—the environment here is tremendous.”
The next meeting of the WNMU Board of Regents is scheduled for April 29.
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