Office of the President

I am proud to serve New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) as its 19th President. As a long-time advocate for public education, I have spent much of my career advancing student success initiatives and expanding access to the many benefits provided by higher education. Expanding the mission of NMHU throughout Northern New Mexico and surrounding regions is an exceptional privilege.

As a young adult, I decided on a career in higher education through a transformative experience serving a two-year service mission in Detroit, Michigan. There, I saw first-hand how access to education expands the opportunities available for social and economic mobility. It was then that I committed my professional efforts to bringing educational benefits to all.

My educational journey included three amazing experiences, first attending Eastern Washington University where I earned a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in government. I then earned a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from the University of Utah. Finally, I completed my formal education by earning a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

I began my professional career at the Nevada System of Higher Education working on statewide academic and student affairs projects, economic and workplace development, and diversity initiatives for low-income and first-generation students. From there, I joined Nevada State University as their Director of Financial Aid and then as Chief Student Affairs Officer and Executive Director of Enrollment Services. I returned to my alma mater, Eastern Washington, and served as their Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management building strategic enrollment management initiates that brought record enrollment growth. I then served as the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs then later as the Executive Vice President at Southern Oregon University.

I invite you to explore our website, our world-class educational offerings and student offerings. NMHU is filled with exceptional faculty who are leaders in their respective disciplines and are skilled teachers. Our staff is deeply committed to student success and is proud to serve our students. NMHU provides high-level athletic teams through NCAA Division II and is a proud Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference member. Finally, our students participate in many cultural and performative arts and offer exceptional activities and performances to attend.

My family and I are proud to be members of the NMHU, Las Vegas, and Northern New Mexico communities. We look forward to seeing you at Highlands!

Dr. Neil Woolf

Phone: 505-454-3269
Fax: 505-454-3069