SILVER CITY – The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents met virtually on Friday, May 23, 2025, approving key decisions regarding presidential leadership and faculty advancement while also receiving an update on a recent cybersecurity incident.
The regents selected the Association of Governing Boards Search to lead the search for an interim university president. For the permanent position, the board voted to move forward with Anthem Executive, the firm recommended after a competitive proposal process.
Several faculty members received tenure or promotions during the meeting. Professors Joel Blaxland, Garrett Peltonen, Shannon Rivera, and Erin Wood were awarded tenure. Edmund Brandt and Angie Cox were promoted to associate professor, while Roberta Brown, David Scarborough, and Phillip Schoenberg advanced to full professor. Post-tenure reviews were approved for seven faculty members, including David Scarborough and Taka Sato.
Provost and Interim President Jack Crocker reported on academic continuity following a recent cybersecurity incident. He noted that student grades would be mailed due to limited digital access, and disenrollment for nonpayment has been suspended during the disruption. Chief Information Officer Michael Acosta confirmed that substantial progress has been made in restoring systems.
The meeting concluded without public comment.