Higher education reform package unveiled following WNMU spending scandal

Higher education reform package unveiled following WNMU spending scandal

After the Western New Mexico University spending scandal, New Mexico's top prosecutor wanted to make sure a possible solution was on the agenda this session.

SANTA FE, N.M. – It’s week three of this year’s legislative session, and this is when state lawmakers really start digging into new legislation.

But there’s still time to introduce some new bills, and New Mexico’s top prosecutor did just that Monday.

“This action really gained a real sense of urgency when the Board of Regents at that institution made what I believe to be an unconscionable decision to award a golden parachute,” said New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez.

Torrez and legislative leaders say it’s time to put more eyes on the folks running New Mexico’s public universities after the Western New Mexico University board of regents approved a nearly $2 million buyout for former president Dr. Joseph Shepard.

“Which, based on our calculations, is nearly 60 times the total compensation of the lowest paid worker in that institution,” said Torrez. 

That’s just what happened after state auditors accused WNMU officials of wasting more than $360,000 of university money.

“We owe it to the students at these institutions, to the taxpayers who help fund them, to make sure that their tax dollars are spent effectively and in service of the students, the faculty and all of those who work at these public institutions,” said Speaker of the House Rep. Javier Martinez. 

The group unveiled a new higher education reform package Monday including a proposed constitutional amendment, adding new fiduciary responsibilities and consequences for university regents, and a bill increasing transparency and accountability for those massive contracts — sometimes worth millions of dollars.

“These reforms will close loopholes to prevent financial abuse, ensure institutions operate with integrity, and that they were meant to uphold,” said state Sen. George Muñoz. 

“Those two separate and powerful independent checks should bring an end to this kind of excessive compensation and give taxpayers in this state some peace of mind,” Torrez said.

New Mexico voters would have to approve that proposed constitutional amendment if it makes it through the Roundhouse. While these bills are working to prevent future scandals, Torrez says his legal battle blocking Shepard’s $1.9 million payout is not over.

UPDATE (2-5-2025): Torrez filed an amended complaint, arguing the regents violated the state constitution when they gave Shepard the deal.

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