NMSU presidential search feedback

Some suggest local pick after controversial resignation

The 15 or so people who attended a session with New Mexico State University regents in Albuquerque on Tuesday had a clear message on the hiring of a new president: pick someone who’s in it for the long run, preferably a New Mexican. Even better, an alumnus.

The 15 or so people who attended a session with New Mexico State University regents in Albuquerque on Tuesday had a clear message on the hiring of a new president: pick someone who’s in it for the long run, preferably a New Mexican.

Even better, an alumnus.

“I think first and foremost, the next leader needs to be an Aggie,” Larry Lujan said.

Lujan was one of several who spoke on what regents should be looking for as they find a replacement for former president Barbara Couture, who left her post abruptly in September for a job in Washington, D.C. Manuel Pacheco has been named interim president.

Regents are looking to hire a new president by May, Regent Ike Pino said at the meeting. NMSU plans to assemble a search committee and hire a national search firm, Pino said.

But first, regents want public comment. They were criticized for the way Couture’s departure was handled. After it became public that she was on a voluntary leave of absence, regents refused to provide details, citing personnel privacy. Couture is getting a $453,093 lump payment for her departure.

This time around, they’re looking to be more transparent.

“People need to know what the regents are doing and when we’re doing it,” regent Javier Gonzales said. The meeting Tuesday was the third in series of “listening sessions” around the state.

Brian Smith, of the class of 2010, said NMSU should hire someone who can attract funding, stay for the long term, find a good balance between athletics and academics, and re-establish the mission of the university.

“One thing I would like to see in a president is they’re gonna have a mission … for where we want the university to go. I don’t know where it’s going right now,” Smith said.

Enrique Tellez, co-president of the Albuquerque chapter of the Alumni Association, said he was disappointed to see Couture leave because she had been a supporter of alumni initiatives.

Like most others, Mike Vaughn, an employee whose daughter graduated from NMSU, said regents need to find someone who will stay onboard for more than a few years.

“My point is that we need someone who says, ‘I’m an Aggie. And I’m gonna be an Aggie. And I’m gonna build Aggieland to what it was in its heyday,’ ” Vaughn said.