Western New Mexico University Board of Regents announces search for president
Former WNMU President Joseph Shepard stepped down in January amid allegations of improper spending at the school, which Shepard has denied. A state audit revealed that WNMU spent more than $200,000 on travel and lodging from July 2018 to June 2023. The audit also found credit card spending totaling more than $145,000, which included furnishings for the president's residence.
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The Board of Regents Wednesday announced that they would begin a search for an interim president, and they plan to seek proposals from national talent search firms to begin recruiting for the permanent president position.
The board also accepted the 2023-2024 FY Audit Report, which 'found no major irregularities' and has already been accepted by the Office of the State Auditor, according to Vice President of Business Affairs Kelley Riddle.
At the meeting, Riddle also told the board that a special forensic audit required by the State Auditor is underway and will be completed by June 30. The audit is being conducted by Jaramillo Accounting Group.
As WNMU moves forward with new board members who were appointed by the governor, the New Mexico Department of Justice is continuing its legal efforts to recover $1.9 million that was paid to Shepard as part of a buyout approved by the former group of regents.
Shepard and his legal team filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. A hearing to address that motion is set for June 16 in Luna County District Court.
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