New Mexico Highlands University

The Board discussed and acted upon several items including the designation of a presiding officer, the approval of a consent agenda involving academic affairs and fiscal reports, and a presentation on the university's accreditation cycle and legislative updates. Key developments included the proposal for a university-affiliated commercial enterprise, the adoption of new board policies, and reports from athletic and academic committees. The meeting also included sessions of the Highlands Land Development Corporation and Highlands Stable Isotopes Corporation, where appointments for signatory authority were made and operational updates were shared. Additionally, the Board approved new master's degree programs, revisions to bilingual proficiency credential acceptance, faculty emeritus nominations, and a posthumous degree. Financial discussions covered fiscal year audit results, budget adjustment requests for fiscal year 2026, and the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2027, along with capital outlay planning for campus improvements.

The board convened a special meeting to conduct an executive session regarding the University President's contract and performance. Following the closed session, the board voted to place the President on administrative leave with pay and appointed an interim president for the university. Additional plans were established to hold a subsequent meeting to further consider actions regarding the President's employment.

The meeting focused on fiscal planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Key topics included a review of potential tuition and mandatory fee increases, updates on expenditure projections, and discussion regarding the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire claim. The Board ultimately voted to maintain current tuition and fee levels, while approving increases to housing rates and meal plans, along with the allocation of a portion of state appropriations to reserves.

The board convened for a special hybrid meeting to enter into executive session for the discussion of limited personnel matters, labor-relations strategy, and consultation with legal counsel regarding pending litigation. Following the reconvention to open session, the board adopted Board Resolution 2026-03-01, titled A Resolution Affirming Student-Centered Priorities, Labor Relations, and Shared Governance, which included formally acknowledging receipt of a letter from various faculty and staff associations and authorizing the posting of the resolution on the university website.

The Board discussed various institutional updates including student-athlete recruitment, Higher Learning Commission expectations, the relocation of Albuquerque operations to the CNM Montoya campus, and the resolution of a hazardous materials compliance matter. The President provided information on land development contracts, new economic development partnerships, restoration of federal funding for the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute, and academic expansion initiatives. The board also approved the renaming of the Staff Advisory Senate to the Staff Senate, discussed naming gifts for campus facilities including Quintana Hall and the John A. Wilson Complex, and reviewed faculty senate activities. An executive session was held to address pending litigation and personnel matters related to the President's contract.