The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) has named Dr. Michael Jackson as its 19th president, ending a nationwide search in the pool of more than 45 candidates, the Board of Regents announced.
The search began on January 14 and ended with Jackson’s appointment after months of leading the institution in an acting and interim capacity. Jackson has served as acting president since July 2025. And he was designated interim president in September 2025.
Jackson earned his Ph.D. in Physics from New Mexico State University. He was provost and vice president for academic affairs at New Mexico Tech.
The new president previously held senior academic and administrative roles at Central Washington University, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and University of Pennsylvania. It was in Pennsylvania where he focused on student success, research development, and institutional stability.
“Dr. Jackson has provided exceptional leadership during a critical time for New Mexico Tech,” David Lepre, chairman of the Board of Regents, said. “He has demonstrated a strong commitment to our students, staff, researchers, and the broader campus community, with a deep understanding of the institution’s mission.”
Jackson said he will prioritize strengthening the student experience and expanding, at the same time, the opportunities in education and research. “It is a privilege to continue serving New Mexico Tech,” he said. “Together with our faculty, staff, and community, we will build on our strengths and advance our impact as a premier STEM institution for New Mexico and beyond.”
The Board also thanked the search committee —composed of representatives from executive and administrative offices, human resources, campus police, and the district attorney’s office—for shortlisting the candidates to five finalists.