WNMU Board of Regents Hears University Updates, Approves Development of Multiple New Degree and Certificate Programs

The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents approved the development of new programs as part of the university's five-year plan and heard from faculty, staff and student leadership representatives during their meeting, conducted in a hybrid manner, Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Regent President Dr. Mary E. Hotvedt presided over the meeting from the Seminar Room located in the university's Student Memorial Center along with Student Regent Trent Jones, with Regents Dr. Lyndon Haviland, Dal Moellenberg and Dr. Daniel Lopez joining virtually.

Due to the large number of community members attending the meeting, the board began by amending the agenda to allow public comments at the beginning of meeting. Comments were largely focused on the recent special report from the state auditor's office.

With no old business to consider, the regents spent a portion of the meeting hearing updates from across campus as presented by WNMU President Joseph Shepard, Faculty Senate President Dr. Phil Schoenberg, Staff Senate President Bart Brown and Associated Students of WNMU President Brenda Dominguez.

The board voted to award Staff Emeritus status to Barbara Flores, who worked most recently as Program Manager in the J. Cloyd Miller Library. President Shepard noted that Flores brought a "sparkle" to the various positions she held at the university. "She does the job with passion," he said.

The Board approved recommendations of tenure to Associate Professor Heather Frankland and post-tenure review for Professor Amanda Jost. Sabbatical leave was also approved for Professors Benjamin Cline and Jennifer Coleman.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Jack Crocker presented to the regents the university's Five-Year Plan for New Degree Programs, which included seven new undergraduate certificate programs, a new associate's degree, three new bachelor's degrees, two graduate certificates and a PhD degree. This plan was accepted by the board.

The board also approved changes to the Faculty Handbook and changes to a number of university policies.

Vice President for Business Affairs Kelley Riddle walked the board through the university's midyear Budget Adjustment Request, a request for asset disposal, a revised capital project transmittal for the Campus Recreation Center swimming pool, and a resolution for signatory authority of university documents as a point of clarification. All of these items were approved.

The meeting ended with board members offering concluding remarks. Board President Hotvedt, whose term expires at the end of the year, thanked the other board members and the university staff, faculty and administration. She also thanked the students who, she said, "make this job more fun and more meaningful. They are why we are here."