New Mexico State University's Board of Regents announced its top five finalists for the university’s next chancellor.
Dr. Dan Arvizu, former director of the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and NMSU alumnus, New Mexico Higher Education Department Secretary Dr. Barbara Damron, Kansas State University College of Agriculture Dean Dr. John Floros, Missouri University of Science and Technology Provost and Vice Chancellor Dr. Robert Marley and Dr. Brian Stevenson, former president and vice chancellor of Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
The board is in the process of finding a replacement for Chancellor Dr. Garrey Carruthers, whose contract period ends on July 1. Regents met in closed session to choose a minimum of five finalists from a pool of candidates recommended by a board-approved search committee.
NMSU Regents Chair Debra Hicks said the board is looking for someone who has had success in student outcomes.
"We know that across the nation, enrollment is declining, retention is difficult, we know that those issues are out there. So we were looking for individuals that have been able to spearhead and see a change in those particular parameters," Hicks said.
University stakeholders will interview with the five finalists during campus visits scheduled between April 22 and May 5. The board is expected to name a new chancellor by May 11.