Leadership Crisis at Western New Mexico State University Newslooks Washington DC Mary Sidiqi Evening Edition New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has called for the resignation of regents at Western New Mexico State University following revelations of financial mismanagement and wasteful spending. The turmoil stems from a state audit uncovering fiduciary failures under outgoing President Joseph Shepard, whose resignation package has drawn sharp criticism. Faculty have issued a no-confidence vote, urging state officials to intervene as the university faces a leadership overhaul.
Western New Mexico State University Leadership Crisis: Quick Looks
- Governor’s Action: Gov. Lujan Grisham calls for a clean slate by urging regent resignations.
- Audit Revelations: A state investigation revealed wasteful spending, including luxury travel and purchases.
- Controversial Exit Package: Outgoing President Shepard secured a $1.9M payout and a faculty job.
- Faculty Backlash: Faculty issued a no-confidence vote, demanding intervention and leadership changes.
- Historic University: Established in the 1890s, the university faces one of its most turbulent periods.
Deep Look
The leadership crisis at Western New Mexico State University (WNMU) in Silver City has intensified after Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham called for the immediate resignation of its board of regents. The call comes in response to a state audit that revealed significant financial mismanagement and governance failures under outgoing President Joseph Shepard. The unfolding scandal has sparked investigations, faculty backlash, and heightened scrutiny of fiduciary responsibilities at public institutions.
Governor’s Directive for Change
In a strongly worded year-end letter, Gov. Lujan Grisham urged the university’s five-member board of regents to step down to facilitate a leadership overhaul. The governor emphasized the need for new leadership to restore stability and ensure the institution prioritizes its mission of serving students.
Her statement described the need for a “clean slate” to help the university regain its equilibrium. The board’s chairwoman resigned earlier in the week, and faculty senate president Phillip Schoenberg reported that the remaining regents are expected to resign before Friday.
“This is a decisive moment for the future of Western New Mexico State University,” the governor said in her letter. “We must ensure that accountability, transparency, and student welfare take precedence in all decision-making.”
Revelations of Financial Mismanagement
The crisis stems from a state auditor’s investigation into financial practices at WNMU, which uncovered alarming examples of wasteful spending and fiduciary failures, including:
- Excessive Spending by Leadership: Former President Joseph Shepard faced scrutiny for lavish spending on international travel and luxury furniture purchases.
- Improper Use of University Credit Cards: Shepard’s wife, Valerie Plame—a former CIA operations officer and 2020 congressional candidate—was found to have used a university credit card, raising questions about oversight and governance.
The findings paint a picture of systemic financial mismanagement that eroded trust in the institution’s leadership. Lawmakers began raising questions in 2023, prompting the audit and subsequent investigations.
Controversial Resignation Package
Shepard announced his resignation following the audit, but the terms of his departure have only deepened the controversy. The outgoing president’s agreement includes:
- A guaranteed faculty position.
- A six-figure annual salary.
- A one-time payment of $1.9 million.
This exit package has drawn sharp criticism from faculty, state officials, and ethics watchdogs. The State Ethics Commission and New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez are investigating whether the board of regents violated their fiduciary duties by approving the agreement.
Critics argue that such a generous payout, given the findings of financial misconduct, sets a dangerous precedent and undermines accountability. Shepard and the regents have defended their actions, asserting that the agreement was made in the best interest of the university.
Faculty No-Confidence Vote
The revelations have spurred outrage among WNMU faculty. On Thursday, the faculty senate issued a no-confidence vote against the board of regents and called for state officials to intervene.
Faculty senate president Phillip Schoenberg described the vote as a necessary step to send a strong message about the university’s need for competent and accountable leadership. “This is about restoring integrity to our institution,” Schoenberg said. “We need leaders who prioritize the interests of students and faculty above all else.”
The faculty also urged state authorities to rescind Shepard’s resignation package, describing it as excessive and unwarranted given the circumstances.
University’s Historical Significance
WNMU, founded in the 1890s before New Mexico achieved statehood, has a long and storied history. Over the years, the institution has undergone several transformations, including name changes and shifts in leadership. However, this financial scandal marks one of the most challenging periods in its existence.
Despite its struggles, WNMU has been an integral part of higher education in New Mexico, serving thousands of students annually. The current crisis threatens to overshadow its legacy and disrupt its mission of providing accessible education to residents of the region.
Investigations and Accountability
The fallout from the audit has prompted multiple investigations:
- State Ethics Commission: Examining whether the regents acted appropriately in approving Shepard’s resignation package.
- Attorney General’s Inquiry: Evaluating whether the board violated its fiduciary duties in overseeing the university’s finances.
Gov. Lujan Grisham’s demand for resignations aligns with these inquiries, signaling a broader effort to rebuild trust in WNMU’s governance.
Broader Implications for Public Universities
The WNMU scandal highlights systemic challenges faced by public universities, including oversight of leadership spending, transparency in financial practices, and maintaining accountability to stakeholders.
Experts suggest that stricter state-level regulations and increased monitoring of university boards could help prevent similar crises in the future. The controversy also underscores the importance of fostering a culture of transparency within public institutions.
Next Steps for WNMU
The resignations of the regents, combined with ongoing investigations, are expected to pave the way for significant changes at WNMU. Faculty and state officials hope that new leadership will prioritize:
- Restoring financial stability.
- Rebuilding trust with students, faculty, and the public.
- Ensuring that governance practices align with the university’s mission and ethical standards.
For the university to move forward, stakeholders agree that swift and decisive action is necessary.
Outlook for Recovery
While the path ahead is uncertain, the actions taken by the governor and state authorities represent an important step toward addressing the issues that have plagued WNMU. As the investigation continues and new leadership is installed, the focus will remain on rebuilding an institution that can uphold its values and serve its students effectively.
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