DEMING – The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents met virtually on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, taking key steps toward naming a new interim president. Regents Steven Neville, John V. Wertheim, J. Dean Reed, and Keana Huerta were present at the meeting.
Chair Steven Neville invited Acting President and Provost Dr. Jack Crocker to report. Crocker provided updates on the university’s recovery efforts from the recent cyber incident, with Chief Information Officer Michael Acosta noting that desktop systems are being rebuilt and voicemail services will soon be restored.
Crocker also highlighted the university’s support for first responders during the Trout Fire by housing personnel from the New Mexico State Police, National Guard, and the American Red Cross.
The meeting’s main action came when Regent Wertheim, speaking on behalf of the personnel committee, explained the board’s two-phase process to identify and interview interim president candidates in collaboration with the Association of Governing Boards.
The Board voted to authorize the committee to negotiate and execute a contract with Dr. Christopher Maples to serve as interim president. Maples, who holds a Ph.D. in geology from Indiana University, previously led the Oregon Institute of Technology and brings both leadership and academic credentials to the role. He also has served as interim president and interim chancellor at other institutions.
Wertheim emphasized that the interim role is a transitional one, stating, “He is there to lay down the foundation for the success of the permanent president.”
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