Dr. Paul Grindstaff, the new vice president for Advancement, brings a unique and diverse background to New Mexico Highlands University.
Originally from Dallas and deeply rooted in the vibrant community of Las Cruces, Grindstaff embarked on his academic journey at New Mexico Highlands University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Biology in 1994.
Arriving at Highlands as an athlete, Grindstaff played football on an athletic scholarship and also sang in the choir.
His commitment to football as a dedicated alumnus played a crucial role in shaping the framework for his diverse educational pursuits.
Immersed in both academics and athletics, Grindstaff developed a strong sense of discipline and teamwork that has significantly influenced his approach to education.
“The lessons I learned on the field—about collaboration and perseverance—have been invaluable in my academic and professional journey,” he reflects.
Building on this foundation, Grindstaff continued his studies at Southern Methodist University, where he attended both business school and graduate school. This experience honed his skills in leadership and management and prepared him for the complexities of higher education.
Grindstaff’s academic background includes two doctorates, underscoring his commitment to education and personal growth. One of these doctorates, in higher education administration from Bradley University, involved an extensive internship that he completed at Highlands in 2021.
Grindstaff said this experience provided significant insights into the challenges faced by educational institutions.
Roxanne Gonzales-Walker, Highland’s provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, said:
“I have worked with Dr. Paul Grindstaff over the years as a member of various NMHU committees and am excited to have him lead the Foundation and Alumni Affairs. He brings a wealth of experience, knows Highlands, and is dedicated to our mission; he is already working with the deans to set goals and expand partnerships.”
Reflecting on his internship experience, Grindstaff said: “I have been fortunate to build relationships with key faculty and administration. The insights gained from these connections are invaluable as we work collaboratively to engage our community and address the needs of our students and faculty.”
Grindstaff said his vision for advancement includes maintaining the foundation’s strategic plan and seeking areas for improvement. He believes in the principle that anything that can be measured can also be improved.
“Successful fundraising hinges on the quality of the information we provide. Our relationships with donors and community members are deeply influenced by our ability to clearly convey our needs and the impact of their support,” he said.
Fostering a strong sense of community is a core principle of Grindstaff’s approach. He believes that effective communication, empathy, and understanding diverse backgrounds are essential to creating an inclusive environment at Highlands.
“By actively engaging with others and sharing information, we can build a broader base of support for Highlands,” he said. “It is essential that we continually re-invent ourselves. The landscape of higher education is changing, and we need to be proactive in ensuring we meet the needs of current and prospective students.”
Looking ahead, Grindstaff emphasizes the critical importance of recruitment, retention, and graduation as interconnected components that require unwavering attention and commitment.
“We must create a supportive campus experience that ensures students feel valued while equipping them with the resources they need to thrive,” he said. “We are not just shaping individual futures; we are cultivating a stronger, more resilient university that stands ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”