
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
![]()
Media Contact: Susan McKinsey, 505-277-1989
April 11, 2006
UNM Presidential Search Committee Chair and Regent Members Appointed
RFP for Search Consultant Planned
Jamie Koch, president of University of New Mexico Board of Regents, has appointed three regents to the UNM presidential search committee. The committee is charged to lead the search for UNM's next president. Raymond Sanchez will chair the committee, while Sandra Begay-Campbell and Mel Eaves will serve as regent committee members.
In addition to professional expertise and a strong knowledge of UNM, the selection of the regent members along with a diverse committee reflects a commitment to diversity.
“Raymond Sanchez is a well-known New Mexican and respected in the community. Sandra Begay-Campbell is a recognized advocate for women and Native Americans. Mel Eaves is a successful New Mexico attorney with a thorough knowledge of the university and its finances,” Koch said.
The remaining committee members will be named by August 2006, once a search process and search consultant has been determined. Chairman Sanchez, in consultation with the Board of Regents, will name the remaining committee members.
The request for proposals (RFP) for the presidential search consultant to assist the search committee will be determined by the full Board of Regents based upon a recommendation from the regent committee.
“The consultant process is different than in past presidential searches as the search committee will drive the process as opposed to the consultant driving the process. This will ensure that the candidates and the hiring will reflect New Mexico and the best interests of the university,” Koch said.
The regents have emphasized that diversity will be a key element of the search.
“The search committee must reflect a diverse membership, and aggressive efforts must be made to recruit eligible women and minority candidates. This is critical as UNM has a majority-minority student body and more women than men comprise its faculty and staff,” Koch said.
Prior to releasing an RFP for a presidential search consultant, several preliminary steps will be taken to ensure the search reflects the needs and desires of the university community. A regent committee will conduct interviews with key internal and external constituency groups to determine what criteria should be used in hiring UNM's president.
Based upon this input, the regents will determine what criteria will become the foundation for the presidential search, thus ensuring that UNM's needs and interests are at the forefront of the search process.
A criterion to be used in the selection process for the consultant will be an ability to identify qualified women and minority candidates who can be successful at UNM. Once the search consultant identifies such candidates, a recruitment team consisting of regents and staff will follow up with them to encourage them to apply.
###
The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.
www.unm.edu