The search for the next university leader reached a significant development. Western New Mexico University’s (WNMU) Presidential Search Committee named the five finalists in its national search for the institution’s 16th president.
The distinguished finalists will visit the Silver City campus for interviews and community engagement in late February and early March.
WNMU search committee representatives said the process was ethical, collaborative, and professional. They also ensured all voices were heard, including student needs. The search committee alone selected the finalists, making certain decisions reflected the group’s collective insight and judgment on the candidates.
“We look forward to seeing how the five finalists and their visions resonate with our campus and the broader Silver City and Mustang communities. I encourage everyone to partake in the selection process where possible, either in person or remotely,” said Interim President Chris Maples.
According to WNMU, the finalists bring diverse expertise in higher education leadership, research, and community advocacy:
- Jose E. Coll, Ph.D. (Western Oregon University): Coll currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Western Oregon University. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he focuses on student success and veteran transition. He previously led at Portland State University and the University of Southern California.
- Visitation Date: February 25, 2026, with a public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at https://wnmu.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Sessions/List.aspx?folderID=7d142a49-f090-4143-803d-b3f4016181b0.
- Cameron Braxton Wesson, Ph.D. (La Salle University): Wesson serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at La Salle University. An archaeologist by training, he led significant administrative roles at Lehigh University and Franklin & Marshall College. He focused on curriculum redesign and student retention.
- Visitation Date: February 26, 2026, with a public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at https://wnmu.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Sessions/List.aspx?folderID=7d142a49-f090-4143-803d-b3f4016181b0.
- Carlos Rey Romero, Ph.D. (New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology): Romero is an Associate Vice President at New Mexico Tech. He has extensive experience within the New Mexico higher education and governmental landscape. His background includes leadership in economic development and research at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC).
- Visitation Date: February 27, 2026, with a public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at https://wnmu.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Sessions/List.aspx?folderID=7d142a49-f090-4143-803d-b3f4016181b0.
- Sharon A. Jones, Ph.D. (University of Washington Bothell): Jones is the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and a Professor of Engineering at UW Bothell. She is a first-generation college student and a licensed professional engineer. She has a background in bridging STEM with the liberal arts and has served as a dean at the University of Portland.
- Visitation Date: March 3, 2026, with a public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at https://wnmu.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Sessions/List.aspx?folderID=7d142a49-f090-4143-803d-b3f4016181b0.
- Mario Martinez, Ph.D. (Fort Lewis College): Martinez serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fort Lewis College. His work emphasizes institutional innovation, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence with inclusive learning and addressing equity gaps in rural education.
- Visitation Date: March 4, 2026, with a public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at https://wnmu.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Sessions/List.aspx?folderID=7d142a49-f090-4143-803d-b3f4016181b0.
WNMU’s 16th President to be Announced on March 17
On March 17, 2026, the WNMU Board of Regents will convene to announce the university’s next leader. This is in accordance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act.
“Identifying the next leader of Western New Mexico University is one of the most important tasks that can be undertaken by the university community,” said Maples.
Maples said the five finalists rose to the top of a field of highly qualified candidates with outstanding leadership and innovation credentials. “Each candidate brings a unique perspective that aligns with our mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and our commitment to the applied liberal arts.”
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.