The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE


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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 24, 2007

UNM Regents Select Presidential Finalists

The University of New Mexico Board of Regents has chosen the five finalists for the 20th president of the university. Noting that UNM constituency groups had called for candidates with exemplary academic, executive leadership and management credentials, regents are bringing three individuals who are current or former university presidents to campus, as well as candidates who are chief academic officers or senior vice presidents at other universities.

The finalists selected, in alphabetical order, are:

  • Meredith Hay, Vice President for Research, University of Iowa
  • Daniel H. López, President, New Mexico Tech
  • Herman D. Lujan, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, California State University, Los Angeles
  • Robert T. McGrath, Senior Vice President for Research, The Ohio State University
  • David J. Schmidly, President and System CEO, Oklahoma State University

The candidates all have earned doctorates, and four have, during their careers, attained tenure and been promoted to the rank of full professor.

Regents President Jamie Koch praised the work of the advisory presidential search committee, chaired by Regent Raymond Sanchez. “Of the 22 individuals on the search committee, nine were women and more than half were minorities,” said Koch. “They brought their particular experiences and insights to the process, insuring that the pool presented to the regents featured candidates who are champions of diversity with an appreciation of New Mexico culture.”

Sanchez added: “Each of these finalists was recruited by the committee and we can assure you that their academic credentials and commitment to diversity are exemplary. These are all serious candidates.”

Koch said the finalists are being closely scrutinized for their track records in working with faculty and internal constituencies as well as in fundraising and working with business and community groups.

Each of the candidates will have the opportunity to interact with a number of campus constituencies over an expected 2 -3 days of interviews, beginning in early February.

According to state law, regents’ final action on selecting the president must take place at least 21 days after giving public notice of the names of the finalists.

Biographies of each of the candidates are available at, http://www.unm.edu/Pressearch/.

###


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