The Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Board of Regents is expected to determine the top two presidential candidates by March 10.
Regent Treasurer/Secretary J. Dean Reed released a detailed timeline for the selection of the university’s new president. The WNMU Board held a hybrid meeting on January 29, 2026 at the New Mexico State Capitol. University leaders and state legislators gathered to discuss important developments at the institution, including the search for a permanent president.
According to WNMU’s news release, the 15-member search committee has narrowed the initial candidate pool down to 10 after an intensive review.
Reed detailed the next phases of the presidential search. On February 5-6, the committee will select five finalists from the candidate pool. In late February or early March, all five finalists will conduct on-campus visits to meet with faculty, staff, and students. On March 10, the Board expects to identify the top two candidates and begin contract negotiations.
Dr. Christopher Maples currently serves as the university’s interim president.
In September 2025, WNMU launched a comprehensive nationwide search for its next president.
The president serves as the university’s chief executive officer and reports directly to the WNMU Board of Regents. The new president will lead the university through a pivotal period of renewal and growth, ensuring its sustainability and mission in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
Reed and Regent Vice Chairman John Wertheim co-chaired the search committee. Its members also include representatives of the WNMU faculty, staff and students, including Vice President of Business Affairs Kelley Riddle, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia West, WNMU Faculty Senate President Gregory Robinson-Guerra, Staff Senate President Bartholomew Brown, Associated Students of WNMU President Carlos Carranza, Assistant Vice President of Student Life April Burt, and Randy Gomez from WNMU Facilities, among others. The members of the public are Grant County Commissioner Chris Ponce, Town of Silver City Mayor Ken Ladner, Silver Consolidated Schools Superintendent William Hawkins, Bart Roselli representing the Silver City Chamber of Commerce, Former State Rep. Candie G. Sweetser, WNMU Alumni Board member Evangeline Zamora and Javier Marrufo from LULAC.
Other Matters Discussed at WNMU Board Meeting
Board Chair Steven Neville led the meeting, where visiting state officials highlighted WNMU’s period of transition and efforts in “building back credibility.”
State Senator Jay C. Block, who praised Maples for their leadership, visited the meeting. “You are building back a lot of credibility, and I’m excited to see where it goes,” he said. “On behalf of all the legislators, hold your head up at Western. You have the respect of every senator and House member.”
Lt. Governor Howie Morales also attended the proceedings, thanking the Regents for their service and acknowledging Maples’ interim leadership. Morales emphasized the solid support for the university’s funding requests currently moving through the legislature. He also strongly supported the acquisition of the 6th Street School.
Meanwhile, Maples discussed the university’s strategic growth, specifically the acquisition of the 6th Street School. The facility is located one block from the main campus in Silver City. He credited the Dean of Education for spearheading the effort to benefit the College of Education and the broader community.
Maples celebrated the Mustang community’s achievements, highlighting the WNMU Men’s Basketball team and its stellar season performance. He recognized Professor Chris Taylor, whose new book garnered international attention in the field of medieval studies. Maples concluded by noting the university’s modernization and digitization of record-keeping, ensuring secure and efficient operations in the digital age.
Riddle reported several key items, including the FY26 Quarter 2 Financial Actions Report, which showed no significant budgetary concerns. He addressed the financial impact of a prior cyber-incident, estimating it caused approximately $3 million in losses over two semesters.
The Board approved the Capital Project Transmittal for the Deming Student Center. The project will acquire a building at the John Arthur Smith Learning Center, giving WNMU students in Deming permanent campus space.
Additionally, the Regents approved the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan presented by Riddle, and revisions to the Staff Handbook presented by Brown.
Further, the Board unanimously granted Staff Emeritus status to former University Registrar Susan Russell, honoring her long-term dedication after retiring in 2025. Vice President of Student Affairs Betsy Miller presented the recommendation, citing Russell’s decades of service to the university.