Photo Credit: Santa Fe New Mexican
DEMING – Former university president Joseph Shepard is facing a civil lawsuit from the New Mexico State Ethics Commission, alleging he misused more than $177,000 in public funds originally designated for ADA-compliant infrastructure to build a private patio used during his daughter’s 2023 wedding.
Filed quietly on June 27 in Santa Fe, the lawsuit accuses Shepard of diverting funds that were intended to construct a wheelchair-accessible ramp and walkway. Instead, the money allegedly went toward building a concrete patio adjoining his on-campus residence—later used for a wedding reception, dancing, and welcome event for his daughter.
The Ethics Commission asserts that Shepard micromanaged the patio project and instructed university staff to mislabel wedding-related expenses—such as floral arrangements—as graduation-related costs. The patio area was reportedly promoted by Shepard as a potential wedding venue as early as November 2022, with construction completed in time for the celebration.
The complaint is part of a wider pattern of alleged financial misconduct. A 2024 audit by the New Mexico State Auditor’s Office revealed over $363,000 in questionable university spending under Shepard’s leadership, including international travel, five-star accommodations, and nearly $28,000 in luxury Santa Fe furniture.
In a separate legal action, Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed suit in January 2025 to block Shepard from accessing a $1.9 million severance payout. That case alleges fiduciary breaches and a lack of transparency in the agreement approved by the university’s Board of Regents.
The Ethics Commission’s lawsuit seeks repayment of the misappropriated ADA funds and civil penalties. Shepard has not publicly commented on the allegations, and no criminal charges have been filed as of this report.
Sources:
- Searchlight New Mexico: “Joseph Shepard sued by the New Mexico State Ethics Commission”
- Searchlight New Mexico: “State Auditor slams lavish spending at Western New Mexico University”
- Source NM: “NM AG Torrez seeks to stop WNMU president from spending his $1.9 million payout”
- New Mexico State Ethics Commission legal complaint
- New Mexico State Auditor’s Office reports
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