Santa Fe – Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced nominations for appointment to the Eastern New Mexico University Board of Regents, the New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Board of Regents, the New Mexico Military Institute Board of Regents, the New Mexico State University Board of Regents, the Northern New Mexico College Board of Regents, the University of New Mexico Board of Regents, and the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents.
“It is vital that our higher education institutions graduate students who are well-prepared to thrive in the diverse economy we are working to create in New Mexico,” said Governor Martinez. “The individuals I am nominating today come from a variety of backgrounds and are well-suited to help manage our state’s universities. They will provide thorough financial oversight and planning for these institutions, and I am confident they will adopt reforms designed to graduate our students more quickly and prepare them for the workforce New Mexico needs.”
New Mexico State University
Debra Hicks of Hobbs has been nominated for appointment to the New Mexico State University Board of Regents. An alumna of the University, Hicks is a business owner with over 30 years of experience in engineering and public service. She is President and Chief Executive Officer of Pettigrew and Associates, a leading civil engineering, surveying, and testing firm. Hicks served on the Board of Regents for the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology from 2013-2014. Her community, state, and national involvements are extensive, with various appointments and memberships, including to the Economic Development Corporation of Lea County, the New Mexico Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission, and the National Society of Professional Engineers, among others. Hicks has been recognized for her contributions to economic development and success in women-owned businesses by numerous business publications and associations such as the New Mexico Business Weekly and the American Council of Engineering Companies. She has worked extensively to promote STEM education initiatives through partnerships with organizations like MATHCOUNTS and by serving on task forces for Hobbs and Tatum Municipal Schools. Hicks holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from New Mexico State University.
Eastern New Mexico University
Terry Othick of Albuquerque has been nominated for appointment to the Eastern New Mexico University Board of Regents. An alumnus of the University, Othick brings over 40 years of experience in the information technology field through a career in the private, public, and education sectors. He recently retired as a consultant for an Albuquerque technology firm. Prior to his consulting engagements, Othick was Chief Operations Officer for the Los Lunas School District and served on the Board of Directors for the New Mexico Golden Apple Foundation and the Eastern New Mexico University Alumni Association. He earned the Eastern New Mexico University Distinguished Service Award in 2013 for his success in raising scholarship funds for the University. Othick has taught undergraduate and graduate technology courses at both Eastern New Mexico University and the University of New Mexico. He has also previously served the State of New Mexico as the Chief Information Officer for the Departments of Labor and Workforce Solutions. Before those appointments, Othick devoted over 25 years to the Public Service Company of New Mexico in many roles, including Chief Operations Officer. Othick holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration, both from Eastern New Mexico University.
Susan Tatum of Clovis has been nominated for appointment to the Eastern New Mexico University Board of Regents. An alumna of the University, Tatum is a small business owner and former educator. She founded the Clovis Counseling Center in 1988, where she continues to practice as a professional clinical counselor and specializes in individual and family therapy. Tatum was a psychology instructor, academic advisor, and financial aid director at Eastern New Mexico University prior to opening her practice. She is also a former special education teacher for Oklahoma City Public Schools and the Cerebral Palsy Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Tatum holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Eastern New Mexico University.
New Mexico Highlands University
LouElla Marr-Montoya of Las Vegas has been nominated for appointment to the New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents. An alumna of the University, Marr-Montoya brings over 30 years of experience in education and education administration. She is a current member of the New Mexico Highlands University Alumni Board of Directors and President of the Viles Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides renewable 5-year scholarships for graduating high school seniors in San Miguel and Mora Counties who have lost one or more parents. Marr-Montoya served as Director in the Office of Recruitment, Admissions, and Retention for Luna Community College. She also worked as a student counselor and as Director for both the Minority Technical Education Program and the Summer Technology Preparation Program for High School Students. Prior to joining the administration at Luna Community College, Marr-Montoya served on the teaching faculty and offered basic adult education courses. Marr-Montoya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Psychology, and Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Education, Guidance, and Counseling, both from New Mexico Highlands University.
Sandra Turner of Clovis has been nominated for appointment to the New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents. An alumna of the University, Turner is an independent social worker with experience as a small business owner. She works as a behavioral health specialist with Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico and formerly owned Life Changes Counseling & Consulting, Inc., where she practiced clinical therapy and social work. Prior to her private practice, Turner worked at Presbyterian Plains Regional Medical Center and for Clovis Municipal Schools as a clinical therapist and social worker. She currently serves on the New Mexico Brain Injury Advisory Council and New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners. Turner holds Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Jerry Armijo of Socorro has been nominated for reappointment to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Board of Regents. Armijo is a private attorney, focusing on banking, real estate, municipal, probate, and commercial law, with admissions to the Bar of the State of New Mexico and the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico. He has served on the Board since 2003 and is the current Board Secretary and Treasurer. Armijo has also served as President of the New Mexico Tech Research Corporation since 2004. He previously served on the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education and the New Mexico Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission. Armijo holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from New Mexico State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico.
David Gonzales of Farmington has been nominated for appointment to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Board of Regents. An alumnus of the Institute, Gonzales is a small business owner and brings over a decade of experience in petroleum engineering. He is Vice President of Operations at Logos Resources, a Farmington-based oil and gas exploration company invested in the development of the Mancos Shale, and owner of WIASOM ENERGY, an engineering consulting company he founded in 2011. Gonzales has also worked as an engineer at development sites in New Mexico, Utah, and Texas for firms like Burlington Resources, Resolute Natural Resources, and Linn Energy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Donald Monette of Socorro has been nominated for appointment to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Board of Regents. Monette brings experience in government, education, and private business. He has served as City Councilor for the City of Socorro since 1998, where he sits as Chairman of the Budget Committee. Monette is also Executive Director of Finance for Socorro Consolidated Schools, overseeing an annual budget exceeding $24 million, and previously worked as an assistant purchasing director for the Institute. Prior to a career in public service, he was an assistant general manager for Monette Ford, Inc. and a restaurant proprietor. Monette holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Services from New Mexico State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico.
New Mexico Military Institute
Phillip Ingram of Albuquerque has been nominated for appointment to the New Mexico Military Institute Board of Regents. An alumnus of the Institute, Ingram is a Chartered Life Underwriter and Financial Consultant with expertise in the insurance and financial services industry. He is the owner of Ingram Financial Resources, an advisory firm for business owners, professionals, and high net worth individuals and families on matters of financial, business, and estate planning. Ingram is one of nineteen members of his family to have attended the Institute since 1917 and a former member of the Board, where he served as President and was awarded the Regents Medal for his service. In 2011, he was appointed to the Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central District. Ingram also previously served on the New Mexico State Workforce Development Board. He is an Honorary Commander to the United States Air Force Inspection Agency and serves on various other boards throughout New Mexico. Ingram holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance from Texas Tech University.
Col. Timothy Paul of Rio Rancho has been nominated for appointment to the New Mexico Military Institute Board of Regents. An alumnus of the Institute, Paul brings the experience of a 30-year career of service with the United States Army and New Mexico National Guard, including two tours in Iraq. He most recently served as Acting Deputy Adjutant General and Chief of Staff for the New Mexico National Guard. Paul has led and conducted numerous search and rescue operations, state emergency responses, and counter drug initiatives. He is currently Vice President of Operations at CSI Aviation, an Albuquerque-based aviation company. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Computer Science from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and a Master of Science in Space Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Albuquerque.
Stirling Spencer of Carrizozo has been nominated for appointment to the New Mexico Military Institute Board of Regents. An alumnus of the Institute, Spencer brings experience in government, chemical engineering, and agriculture. He is the owner of both Bar W Ranch, Inc. and Bartz/Spencer Solar and Wind Turbine Pumping Systems and also serves as Lincoln County Probate Judge. Prior to launching his businesses, Spencer worked at Continental Water Systems in roles including Chief Engineer, Director of Engineering, Director of Manufacturing, and Director of Research and Development. He previously served on the Lincoln County Commission and on various advisory committees for New Mexico State University. Spencer is a veteran of the United States Army and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from New Mexico State University.
Northern New Mexico College
Damian Martinez of Las Cruces has been nominated for appointment to the Northern New Mexico College Board of Regents. Martinez is a practicing attorney and a veteran of the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps. He is Managing Director of Holt, Mynatt, Martinez P.C., where he represents clients in all litigation and appellate matters with admissions to the New Mexico Bar, United States District Court for the Districts of New Mexico and Colorado, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and Armed Forces, and the United States Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals. He was named Southwest Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2012 and in the Top 40 Litigation Lawyers under 40 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Martinez is a former Special Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico and Northern District of Texas. As a United States Air Force Captain, he worked as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate. Martinez holds a Bachelor of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.
University of New Mexico
Matthew Chandler of Clovis has been nominated for appointment to the University of New Mexico Board of Regents. Chandler is a practicing attorney and a dedicated New Mexico public servant. At Chandler Law Firm, he focuses on family and employment law, estate planning, and complex litigation. Chandler previously served as District Attorney for the Ninth Judicial District of New Mexico from 2004-2014. He was the youngest District Attorney to be elected in New Mexico at the age of 27 and has over 12 years of prosecutorial experience. While working as a prosecutor, one of his highest profile cases involved the 2005 murder of 10-year-old Carlos Perez, which led to the convictions of five individuals and international manhunts for Noe Torres and Edward Salas (the former was charged with murder, but fled to Mexico before trial; the latter escaped to Mexico after being sentenced for his role in the killing). In 2012, Chandler teamed with Governor Martinez, the US Marshal Service, and Mexican authorities to successfully locate and extradite Torres to New Mexico. Salas was later found and extradited as well. During his tenure, Chandler was appointed Special Prosecutor for the United States Attorney’s Office and assisted in the investigation, indictments, and convictions of dozens of members of the white supremacist gang known as the Aryan Brotherhood. He is admitted to the New Mexico Bar and licensed to practice in state and federal courts. Chandler completed his final year of law school at the University of New Mexico School of Law as a visiting student. While competing for the UNM Law School’s Mock Trial team, Chandler was awarded “Top Advocate” at the Regional Mock Trial Competition in Spokane, Washington. In 2000 and 2001, Chandler led the University of New Mexico’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) program, a faith-based student athlete ministry with a focus on devotion, integrity, serving, and teamwork. Chandler holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Eastern New Mexico University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Robert Doughty III of Albuquerque has been nominated for appointment to the University of New Mexico Board of Regents. An alumnus of the University, Doughty is a practicing attorney bringing decades of service to New Mexico and his community. His law firm, Doughty, Alcaraz, & deGraauw, P.A., focuses primarily on civil claims and litigation in the areas of insurance defense, governmental entity representation, risk management, personal injury, construction defect, and medical malpractice, among others. Doughty is admitted to the New Mexico Bar, the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He was appointed to the New Mexico Racing Commission in 2011, where he currently serves as Chairman. While on the Commission, Doughty has been a strong reformer, raising standards for racing conduct and cracking down on the doping of racehorses. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Rocky Mountain District of the Lutheran Church. Doughty holds a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico.
James Koch of Albuquerque has been nominated for reappointment to the University of New Mexico Board of Regents to serve out the remainder of the term recently vacated by Conrad James, following James’ election to the New Mexico House of Representatives. An alumnus of the University, Koch is a longtime New Mexico public servant. He is a current member of the Board and serves as Chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee and the Lobo Development Corporation. In recent years, Koch has shown strong leadership in financial oversight and has championed reforms designed to increase the number of graduates at the university (and decrease the number of years it takes students to earn their degree). He previously served as a state legislator and was an original author of the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. Koch is the former President of Daniels Insurance and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of New Mexico.
Western New Mexico University
Daniel Patterson of Sandia Park has been nominated for appointment to the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents. Patterson brings over 40 years of experience in education and education administration. He served as Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of school districts throughout New Mexico and Colorado, including Moriarty Municipal Schools, Las Cruces Public Schools, and Carlsbad Municipal Schools. Prior to entering the field of public education administration, Patterson was a secondary education teacher and higher education instructor. His classroom experience covered subject matters including journalism, English, and social studies. Patterson has been recognized by multiple government agencies and professional associations for his successes and contributions to education in New Mexico and Colorado. Governor Gary Johnson celebrated his anti-violence education program for Las Cruces Public Schools in 1998. Patterson currently serves on the New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority and holds a Bachelor of Science in English and Speech from Edinboro State University in Edinboro, Pennsylvania; a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona; an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona; and a Doctorate of Educational Administration from California Coast University in Santa Ana, California.
Jerry Walz of Tijeras has been nominated for reappointment to the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents. An alumnus of the University, Walz is a practicing attorney with experience in the public and private sectors. He has represented over 100 city, county, and state governmental entities, including the New Mexico Supreme Court and the Office of the New Mexico Attorney General. Walz also represented and advised Johnny Tapia, the 5-time boxing world champion, during the 1990s and throughout the resurrection of Tapia’s career. Walz is admitted to the State Bars of New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado; the United States District Court for the Districts of New Mexico and Arizona; the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth and Tenth Circuits; and the United States Supreme Court. He is a former member of the New Mexico Athletic Commission and has served on the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents since 2009. Walz holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Studies from Western New Mexico University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico.