Western New Mexico University (WNMU) will soon enter a new era of leadership. The Board of Regents officially appointed Jose Coll, Ph.D. as the university’s 16th president after months of selection process.
The board appointed Coll during its hybrid session on March 1, 2026, which was available via livestream and open to the public. Regents J. Dean Reed, Keana Huerta, and John V. Wertheim, along with the university’s executive leadership team, attended in person at J. Cloyd Miler Library. Meanwhile, Regents Steven Neville and Gregory Trujillo joined online.
Coll is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the current Provost at Western Oregon University. The board selected him for his leadership philosophy anchored in collaboration and advocacy.
According to a report by WNMU, he will formally begin his presidency on July 1, 2026, under a three-year contract. The agreement automatically extends for two more years upon a successful completion of his first year as president. It also includes a $310,000 salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
Coll briefly joined the meeting online. In his address to the board and the WNMU community, he emphasized a comprehensive educational experience spanning the liberal arts to the trades. He said the approach aims to meet state workforce needs while upholding shared governance. Coll expressed his deepest gratitude to the presidential search committee. He also thanked Interim President Christopher Maples, Ph.D., for his “unwavering leadership” and for providing a stable foundation for the transition.
Coll Outlines First Priorities as University President
“My first role is to listen, learn, and collaborate with all stakeholders,” Coll stated. “WNMU must engage the whole person and adapt to realities around the world. We will be a steward of regional identity and a powerful engine for social mobility.”
As WNMU’s new president, Coll said his approach to higher education engages the whole person and adapts education to real-world challenges. It aligns with WNMU’s 130-year educational philosophy.
He said that under his leadership, the WNMU community will focus on:
- A comprehensive educational experience,
- Meeting state workforce needs,
- Supporting the students,
- And upholding shared governance.
Before July 1, Coll plans to visit the Silver City campus several times to work on transition planning. He encouraged students, faculty, and staff to connect with him during these visits, even offering to meet for coffee.
“If you see me walking across campus or having a coffee at a local shop during these visits, please do not hesitate to stop me. I am genuinely looking forward to speaking with you, hearing your stories, and listening to your hopes for WNMU,” he said.
“Lastly, I want to thank the Mustang Community for welcoming my family so warmly. Cary and I look forward to making Silver City and the State of New Mexico home!” he concluded.