Dear Highlands Community,
On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, I am pleased to announce that five finalists have been identified in the search for the next President of New Mexico Highlands University.
The University received more than 100 applications for this important leadership opportunity, reflecting significant interest in the future of New Mexico Highlands University. Throughout the review process, the Search Committee was encouraged by the quality of the applicant pool and the breadth of professional experience, leadership accomplishments, and perspectives represented among the candidates.
Following a comprehensive review and evaluation process, five individuals have advanced as finalists for consideration by the New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents.
The five presidential finalists are:
- Isaac Bernard Brundage III, Ed.D.
- Pete Campos, Ed.D.
- Holly Hansen-Thomas, Ph.D.
- Mario Martinez, Ph.D.
- Carlos Rey Romero, Ph.D.
Additional information about each finalist, including professional biographies, photographs, CVs, and confirmed campus visit schedules, will be available through the University's Presidential Search webpage.
As the search moves into its final stages, members of the Highlands community will have opportunities to learn more about the finalists and participate in the campus engagement process. Additional details regarding these opportunities will be forthcoming.
The current schedule of visits is:
Monday 11/16 - Dr. Romero
Tuesday 11/17 - Dr. Martinez
Wednesday 11/18 - Dr. Hansen-Thomas
Friday 11/20 - Dr. Brundage
Monday 11/23 - Dr. Campos
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the Presidential Search Committee for their time, dedication, and thoughtful engagement throughout this process. I also thank the Board of Regents, our search consultants, and the broader University community for their continued support.
The selection of our next President represents an important milestone in the University's future. We look forward to the next phase of this process and to the opportunities ahead for New Mexico Highlands University.
Sincerely,
Joseph Dominguez, M.B.A.
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
New Mexico Highlands University
Message from Dr. Frank Sanchez, NMHU Board of Regents
Good morning, Highlands Community,
I am pleased and excited that the finalists for the next University President have been announced. The announcement represents an important milestone in the search process, and I am encouraged by the caliber, experience, and accomplishments of the individuals who have advanced to this stage. We are truly fortunate to have such a strong group of candidates.
Selecting the next University President is among the most consequential responsibilities entrusted to the Board of Regents and it is essential that the selection process be conducted with the highest standards of fairness, transparency, integrity, and accountability. Every candidate deserves a process that is impartial, consistent, and grounded in the best interests of New Mexico Highlands University. Equally important, the Board and the institution must maintain the confidence of the community we serve.
In recognition of these principles, and to ensure that the integrity of the process is beyond reproach by avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, I have decided to recuse myself from the Board's evaluation and selection of the next President.
I remain enthusiastic about the future of the institution and confident in the Board's commitment to completing this important responsibility in a thoughtful, fair, and transparent manner.
Dr. Frank Sanchez
Board of Regents, Chair
New Mexico Highlands University