Job description

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) invites nominations and applications for the position of President, a dynamic and forward-thinking leader to guide the university into its next chapter of excellence and transformation. The President serves as the chief executive officer and reports directly to the WNMU Board of Regents, providing vision, strategic direction, and overall leadership for the university’s academic, operational, and community missions.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN THIS ROLE

A Mission With Tangible, Life-Changing Impact

WNMU isn’t just another university—it’s a mission-driven, Hispanic-Serving Institution and New Mexico’s Applied Liberal Arts and Sciences University. The President will see the direct, measurable impact of leadership decisions on first-generation, Hispanic, rural, and economically disadvantaged students. This is a role where every strategic choice can change lives and strengthen communities.

A Defining Leadership Moment

This presidency comes at an inflection point. WNMU is poised for renewal following leadership transitions and a period of organizational challenge. The next President will have the opportunity to rebuild trust, unify the campus, restore reputation, and modernize infrastructure—a chance to lead a real turnaround and leave a visible legacy of stability, innovation, and growth.

The Right Size for Impact

With roughly 3,000 students and a tight-knit campus culture, WNMU offers the accessibility and agility that large systems can’t. The President is not a distant figure but a visible, relational leader—known by students, faculty, and the community. Decisions move quickly, and results can be seen in real time.

Strategic Platform for Innovation

The institution’s dual identity—part traditional, part online—creates space for creative experimentation in teaching, learning, and workforce engagement. The next President can redefine what a “small comprehensive university” means in the 21st century by blending personalized, place-based education with technology-enabled delivery and career alignment.

An Opportunity to Shape State and Regional Influence

As a key voice in New Mexico higher education, the President will have direct access to state policymakers and a strong platform for advocacy. The role includes opportunities to influence state funding policy, strengthen rural workforce pipelines, and expand partnerships across education, government, healthcare, and industry.

A Committed and Caring Community

Silver City and WNMU share a deep connection. Faculty, staff, and residents take pride in the university as the heart of the region’s identity. The President will join a community that values education, service, and relationships—and that welcomes visible, authentic leadership.

Exceptional Quality of Life

Set amid the Gila National Forest, Silver City offers a high quality of life—tempered climate, natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a reasonable cost of living. It’s a place where a leader can make an impact professionally while enjoying balance personally.

ABOUT WNMU

Founded in 1893, WNMU is a public, open-access, Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and New Mexico’s designated Applied Liberal Arts and Sciences University. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the university offers more than 70 fields of study through the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Professional Studies, College of Education, Graduate School, and Community & Workforce Development. WNMU serves over 3,000 students—many of them first-generation, rural, and Hispanic learners—through its Silver City campus, Deming and Gallup centers, and a robust portfolio of 100% online programs.

WNMU is also home to the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education, and its reach extends far beyond academics, serving as a key driver of workforce development and regional economic vitality.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPACT

The next President will have a defining opportunity to:

• Rebuild trust and institutional pride through transparent, inclusive, and student-centered leadership.
• Strengthen enrollment, retention, and student success strategies while maintaining affordability and access.
• Modernize campus infrastructure and technology, addressing deferred maintenance and ADA compliance.
• Cultivate a collaborative culture across departments and divisions.
• Advocate effectively for state funding and expand external partnerships, philanthropy, and alumni engagement.
• Shape WNMU’s dual identity as a small comprehensive university and a leading online institution—balancing tradition and innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The President is responsible for providing transformative leadership, focus, and strategic vision for WNMU in collaboration with the university’s executive leadership team, and the Board of Regents. The primary duties and responsibilities of the President position include the following:

• Provide visionary leadership that rebuilds trust, restores morale, and unifies the university community
• Champion WNMU’s mission as an open-enrollment, Hispanic-Serving Institution and New Mexico’s Applied Liberal Arts and Sciences University, serving first-generation, rural, and Hispanic students
• Address the dual challenge of WNMU’s identity as both a predominantly online institution and a traditional, small comprehensive institution, shaping a sustainable future
• Lead efforts to improve retention, student services, advising, and mental health resources, ensuring that success and completion are prioritized alongside enrollment
• Advance a culture of shared governance, transparency, and accountability across faculty, staff, and administration
• Strengthen external partnerships with community colleges, K–12 schools, employers, and civic organizations to expand pipelines and workforce relevance
• Advocate effectively with legislators and policymakers for equitable state funding and institutional investment
• Cultivate alumni, donor, and philanthropic relationships to diversify revenue and support strategic initiatives=
• Address critical infrastructure challenges, including deferred maintenance, ADA compliance, housing, and IT systems
• Serve as a visible and engaged presence on campus and in the Silver City community, modeling relational and accessible leadership

DESIRED LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

Attributes that are key to the success of the President include:

• Innovative Architect – willing to rethink and redesign what a small comprehensive university can and must be in today’s environment
• Student-Centered Leader – committed to equity, access, retention, and long-term student success
• Transparent & Collaborative – a bridge-builder who models openness and shared decision-making
• Visible & Relational – accessible, present, and engaged with both campus and community
• Resilient & Courageous – ready to face systemic challenges head-on with honesty and creativity
• Advocate & Connector – politically savvy, externally focused, and able to secure funding and partnerships
• Grounded & Authentic – invested in WNMU and Silver City for the long term, not as a stepping stone

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

WNMU seeks an innovative and visionary leader with the following:

• Demonstrated success in leading complex organizations with integrity, humility, and vision
• Experience serving a diverse student population, particularly first-generation, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students
• Proven excellence in developing and executing strategic enrollment strategies that improve recruitment, retention, and completion
• Experience at a small- to medium-sized comprehensive university or comparable mission-driven institution
• Familiarity with shared governance structures and demonstrated ability to work effectively in unionized staff environments
• Strong financial and operational acumen, with experience in budget oversight, resource management, and long-term planning
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to engage internal and external stakeholders across diverse constituencies
• A terminal degree or equivalent record of significant achievement
• Unquestioned commitment to equity, transparency, and student-centered leadership
• Ability to thrive in a small-town, rural environment and engage deeply with the community
• Commitment to faculty development, shared governance, and academic excellence

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Senior leadership experience in higher education (e.g., dean, provost, vice president, or president)
• Success in fundraising, donor stewardship, and cultivating external partnerships
• Demonstrated ability to lead transformational change in the face of demographic, technological, and political challenges
• Experience advancing institutional identity and reputation in competitive higher education environments

THE COMMUNITY: Silver City, New Mexico

Nestled within the 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest, Silver City is a historic and artistic mountain community of nearly 10,000 residents. With its lively downtown, cultural festivals, galleries, and endless outdoor recreation—from hiking and biking to exploring the Gila Cliff Dwellings—Silver City offers an exceptional quality of life, affordable cost of living, and strong community connection.

How to apply

The Search Committee invites letters of interest and nominations to be submitted directly to the search firm, Anthem Executive. Correspondence should include a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing relevant experience and interest in the position. Submit materials to Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, JR Wheless, or Florene Stawowy at:

[email protected]

While applications and nominations will be accepted until a president is selected, interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible to assure consideration. Anthem and the University reserve the right to end or extend the application and nomination process at any time. Expressing interest is the first step in receiving consideration and does not make one an applicant for the position.

Western New Mexico University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Western New Mexico University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, national origin, age, spousal affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, disability, religion, pregnancy, genetic information, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.