Photo WNMU: Members of the WNMU Board of Regents listen to comments from outgoing ASWNMU President Brenda Dominguez at their meeting, May 8, 2025. L-R: Regents J. Dean Reed, John V. Wertheim, Steven Neville and Keana Huerta
DEMING – The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents convened Thursday, May 8, in Silver City, approving a formal search for an interim president while honoring faculty achievements and reviewing campus recovery efforts following a recent cyber incident.
Present at the meeting were Regents Steven Neville, John V. Wertheim, J. Dean Reed and Keana Huerta. Chair Neville opened the meeting by inviting Interim Acting President Dr. Jack Crocker to report on university operations. Crocker shared time with leaders from the student government, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate, before introducing Chief Information Officer Michael Acosta, who briefed the board on WNMU’s response to the recent cyberattack.
“Significant progress has been made in the restoration of our infrastructure,” Acosta told the Board. He emphasized enhanced cybersecurity upgrades and stated, “Ultimately, this campus will be stronger because of this incident.”
Chair Neville expressed appreciation for the leadership shown by Crocker during the crisis and extended gratitude to the IT team and university staff for their ongoing efforts.
In formal action, the regents unanimously approved initiating a search for an interim university president and authorized a contract with the selected candidate. They also approved a stipend for Crocker in recognition of the additional responsibilities he has assumed.
The Board awarded faculty emeritus status to retiring Professor Deborah Heller and staff emeritus status to retiring Director of Venue and Event Management Joy Lemme.
Tenure was granted to Associate Professors Joel Blaxland, Garrett Peltonen and Shannon Rivera. Promotions were approved for Edmund Brandt to associate professor and for Roberta Brown and Phillip Schoenberg to full professor. Post-tenure reviews were approved for Professors Scott Fritz, Alexandra Neves and Margarita Wulftange.
A posthumous degree was awarded to Mark Riley, a WNMU student who passed away this spring. The degree will be conferred during the fall commencement ceremony.
Vice President for Business Affairs Kelley Riddle presented the Quarterly Financial Certification Report, noting no significant budget or cash flow issues. The Board voted to submit the report to the state. Riddle also introduced the 5-Year Capital Outlay Plan and Infrastructure Capital Projects, both of which received board approval.
In closing business, the regents passed an annual resolution affirming notice procedures in accordance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act. Following a period of public comment, the meeting adjourned.
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