WILLARD RESIGNS FROM UNM BOARD OF REGENTS

July 1, 2003

WILLARD RESIGNS FROM UNM BOARD OF REGENTS

Larry Willard, president of the University of New Mexico Board of Regents, resigned from the board effective today. He leaves to become chairman of the New Mexico Governor's Economic Development Corporation.

A member of the Board of Regents for the past eight and a half years and president of the board for six, Willard brought executive leadership experience and skills to the University, said UNM President F. Chris Garcia.

"Larry's leadership was enlightened, he dealt with tough issues fairly and he has been a strong advocate for the University in the community, at the state legislature, throughout the state and beyond," said Garcia.

Prior to board membership, Willard served on the Anderson Schools of Management Foundation and the UNM Hospital Board.

Willard has also supported UNM through his personal philanthropy and through the private support of the financial institutions with which he has been associated including most recently Wells Fargo Bank.

"We will miss Larry's leadership, but look forward to an ongoing relationship with him as he continues to be involved with the University in other ways and as he takeson a new role for the governor in the area of economic development. Larry's involvement has extended far beyond board membership," said Garcia.

"He has left his mark on UNM, and we are grateful for his commitment and dedication to the state's flagship institution," said Garcia.

In a press release accepting Regent Willard's resignation, Governor Richardson said, "I want to commend him for his years of service to the University and to the people of New Mexico. All New Mexicans owe him a deep debt of gratitude and thanks for his vision and his determination to make the University one of the premier learning centers in America and a world-class research center."

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