The Board of Regents of New Mexico State University met Wednesday and voted to continue the search for a new Chancellor.
During discussion on that agenda item, the Board expressed support for current Chancellor Dr. Garrey Carruthers, but did not express a desire to extend his contract beyond the current school year.
The Board of Regents voted to move forward with the search for a new Chancellor. The vote was unanimous, with student Regent Margie Vela abstaining.
Dr. Carruthers recently announced his retirement at the end of his five-year contract in July of next year.
Following that announcement, Dr. Carruthers revealed that he was willing to extend his contract for two additional years, but the Board of Regents did not make an offer for him to continue.
Dr. Carruthers received a flood of support from donors, staff, faculty, and students. The ASNMSU student government even drafted a letter asking the Board of Regents to extend Dr. Carruthers contract.
Board of Regents member Kari Mitchell said the decision not to extend Dr. Carruthers’ contract had nothing to do with politics and was not related to a desire to appoint New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez as Chancellor. Mitchell said the Governor was on record as not being interested in the position. Following letters of support for Dr. Carruthers, a statement issued by the Governor’s office alleged elected state officials offering their support for Carruthers had political motives, an allegation that sparked criticism.