Wendy K. Wilkins, provost and executive vice president at New Mexico State University, has today submitted her resignation from her current administrative position and announced her intention to retire on Jan. 1, 2013. Wilkins will be departing her administrative position at the end of this week and will be on leave for the remaining weeks of the fall 2012 semester.
Wilkins has served as provost of NMSU since July 2010.
“On behalf of the university community, I wish to express appreciation for her efforts,” said interim President Manuel T. Pacheco. “During her time as provost, Dr. Wilkins worked tirelessly for academic excellence. Her participation in the funding formula task force was extremely valuable to ensure that research institutions in our state are recognized for their unique role. She also initiated programs such as the mid-semester grade check for our freshmen, the Academic Departmental Review process to assist our departments in ensuring their proficiency and effectiveness and completed the renewal of the academic strategic plan ‘Building the Vision,’ to name just a few.”
To fill the position on a temporary basis, former longtime NMSU administrator Jay Jordan has agreed to serve as interim provost and executive vice president. Discussions regarding a permanent provost and executive vice president will be held after a new NMSU president has been named.
Jordan retired from NMSU in July 2012. Prior to that he held several important positions at NMSU including director of the Physical Science Laboratory and dean of the College of Engineering. From January through July 2010, he also served as interim provost and executive vice president.
“We are pleased that Dr. Jordan will return to his alma mater to help advance our mission of teaching, research and outreach,” Pacheco said.