Western New Mexico University (WNMU), is searching for a dynamic, effective, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next president. The President serves as the institution’s chief executive officer and reports directly to the WNMU Board of Regents. The President provides overall leadership for academic, operational, fiscal, and community missions, guiding the university’s identity and sustainability in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
Since 1893, WNMU has provided a transformational educational experience in an unparalleled natural and cultural setting. Founded as New Mexico’s normal school, WNMU is an open-access Hispanic-Serving Institution and is state-designated as the public Applied Liberal Arts and Sciences university and home to the N.M. Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, WNMU offers a foundation of liberal arts education with quality professional programs and career and technical preparation in an inclusive and supportive environment. The university serves over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students and empowers them to be inventive, critical thinkers, prepared to succeed professionally and to serve as conscientious citizens. With classes offered face-to-face at the Silver City main campus, Deming, and Gallup, as well as fully online, WNMU meets students where they are, whether they’re first-generation college students, working adults or learners seeking flexible, affordable pathways. The university offers more than 70 fields of study, ranging from accounting to New Mexico’s only zoology program, with dozens of degree options available 100% online. From workforce training certificates in welding and construction to nationally ranked graduate programs, WNMU equips students to succeed in their careers and affects positive generational change in communities throughout the southwest and beyond. The university’s wide range of academic and training programs are organized through the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, the Graduate School and Community & Workforce Development.
Key Attractors:
A Mission with Measurable Impact: Lead an HSI that serves first-generation, Hispanic, rural, and underserved students—where decisions translate directly into retention, completion, and life-change.
Career-Defining Turnaround: Step in at a true inflection point to elevate trust, unify the campus, and be instrumental in bolstering pride and reputation.
High-touch, visible leadership: A right-sized university where the president is known—present with students, faculty, and staff; accessible enough to model shared governance and close the feedback loop.
Community anchor & regional influence: Be the civic face of an institution the region cares about—rebuild K–12, employer, and nonprofit partnerships and shape workforce and economic development.
Nimble scale to move fast: Small, tight-knit environment enables cross-functional collaboration and quick implementation of ideas without big-system bureaucracy.
Advocacy with tangible wins: Real opportunity to secure equitable state funding, attract capital for facilities/IT, and modernize infrastructure—high visibility with legislators and funders.
Quality of life in Silver City: Scenic mountain/desert setting, temperate climate, vibrant Southwestern culture (e.g., Fiesta Latina), strong community feel, outdoor recreation, and a reasonable cost of living.
For a copy of the full Prospectus, click WNMU President Search