New Mexico Highlands University

The Board of Regents conducted a special hybrid meeting to address critical personnel matters. The board held an executive session to discuss employment contracts and performance. Key formal actions taken included the termination of the employment agreement for the University President and the approval of the employment contract for the Interim President.

The board meeting addressed several key operational and administrative items, including the approval of a Doctor of Nursing Practice tuition adjustment and the Lora Shields infrastructure project. The Interim President provided comprehensive updates on organizational initiatives, student success programs, and community partnerships. Financial updates included a discussion on a forthcoming forensic audit, the reinstatement of scholarship acceptance processes, and corrective actions taken in response to Higher Education Department budget inquiries. The General Counsel provided an update regarding state audit cooperation. Furthermore, the Board formally initiated a presidential search process and conducted an executive session to discuss an interim leadership evaluation and legal risks.

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.