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New Mexico Highlands University Mission
New Mexico Highlands University is a public comprehensive university serving our local and global communities. Our mission is to provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to attain an exceptional education by fostering creativity, critical thinking and research in the liberal arts, sciences, and professions within a diverse community.For more information about our mission, click here.
William E. “Bill” García, Chairman
4720 Lluvia Encantada
Santa Fe, NM 87507
Phone: 505 982-1355
Email
William E. García is the former cabinet secretary of economic development for the state of New Mexico and has had a distinguished career in business, taking an active leadership role with numerous New Mexico businesses and civic organizations. More …
Dr. Danelle J Smith, Vice-chair/Secretary
PO Box 1811
Las Vegas, NM 87701
Phone: 505-425-9346
Email
Las Vegas, New Mexico attorney Danelle Smith has worked in state and local government for more than 30 years.
Smith earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law at Austin in 1975 and was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in September 1975. She has practiced law in Las Vegas, New Mexico ever since. More …
Dr. Frank Sanchez, Regent
P.O. Box 700, Rociada, NM 87742
505-515-6654
Email
The New Mexico State Senate on March 13, 2021 confirmed Gov. Michelle Lujan’s appointment of Dr. Frank Sanchez to the Highlands University Board of Regents. His term on the Highlands University Board of Regents continues to Dec. 31, 2026.
“I have a lifelong dedication to service advocating for the well-being of the people of Northern New Mexico,” Sanchez said. “My main area of interest as a new regent at Highlands is to make higher education available to all. I hope I can help Highlands grow and move forward. My main goal is to see a resurgence on the Las Vegas campus.” More …
A native of Las Vegas, New Mexico, Lucero grew up across the street from Highlands campus. His father and grandfather obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees from Highlands, and his father formerly directed the Highlands mariachi ensemble. More …
Cody Rivera
Student Regent
505-429-1694
Cody Rivera was born and raised in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
He is a proud second-generation college student who loves to spend time outdoors hunting, fishing, and hiking. Rivera is a sophomore at New Mexico Highlands University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. More …