The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE


Media contact: Susan McKinsey, 277-1989
(cell) 362-5530 mckinsey@unm.edu

December 13, 2006

UNM Regents Amend Harris Contract
Harris names permanent VP for Advancement

The University of New Mexico Board of Regents has approved an addendum to the employment contract for David Harris, who now serves as Acting President of the University. When the current presidential search is complete and a new president begins employment, Harris will become the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the university. His new contract shall extend through December 31, 2008.

“The Regents wanted the new UNM president to have the benefit of the best and most respected financial mind in the state of New Mexico,” said Regent President Jamie Koch.

Koch pointed out that the contract contains a clause allowing either party the right to terminate the contract for any reason upon 120 days written notice to the other party. If either party does terminate the contract, there will be no liability of any kind to the other party, other than payment of a prorated amount of benefit accrual.

“I had the best job in the university when I was executive vice president for administration,” said Harris. “Being president has been an exciting challenge, but I look forward to concentrating once again on managing operations and finance for this huge and diverse institution.”

In a related announcement, Harris named Michael Kingan as UNM’s Vice President for Advancement. Kingan had been serving in that position as an interim since August, following the resignation of Michael Carroll.

“I’ve watched Michael’s work and have been very impressed,” said Harris. “He will move the Advancement division forward as we look toward a $60 million fundraising goal and a future capital campaign.”

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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.

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