At a regular meeting Friday, Dec. 12, the New Mexico State University Board of Regents approved the university’s audited financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014.
Angela Throneberry, senior vice president for administration and finance, presented the audited annual financial statements, including the report of the independent audit firm of Moss Adams LLP reflecting an unmodified opinion.
The regents also approved an operating agreement renewal with the Grants Cibola County School District for the operations of NMSU Grants.
In his report to the regents, President Garrey Carruthers indicated that the university will be looking to issue a request for proposal for an outside review of the institution’s staffing levels. He would like to see an improved student to staff ratio.
The regents heard an update from Executive Vice President & Provost Dan Howard on NMSU’s Guaranteed Pathway, a program for students who do not meet admission requirements to NMSU. Students in the program can attend one of NMSU’s community colleges and eventually transfer to the main campus. All NMSU community college students will be eligible to take this pathway, but priority will be given to those who applied, but did not meet the NMSU admissions requirements, and to first-generation college students.
The pathway program was developed to help students who want to pursue a baccalaureate degree, but may need some assistance to be prepared for the coursework. NMSU recently changed its admission standards for students applying to NMSU starting with the fall 2016 semester.
Bernadette Montoya, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, gave an outlook for enrollment for spring 2015 as well as fall 2015. She said that the number of applications for first-time freshmen to NMSU for the fall 2015 semester has increased.
The regents also heard an annual update on research from Vimal Chaitanya, vice president for research. Chaitanya highlighted achievements of NMSU’s research enterprise including substantial renewed funding for programs that support STEM educational programs with research components, many of them benefitting minority faculty and students. He also reviewed challenges such as the need to diversify the research portfolio and compete with other institutions for hiring specialists, as well as opportunities, such as working with government labs in New Mexico and partnering internationally.
The board presented the Above & Beyond Award to Senior Vice President Throneberry. The Above & Beyond Award recognizes full-time employees who go the extra distance in service to any and all aspects of the NMSU system. Individuals are recognized for performance that goes “above and beyond” their regular responsibilities and for demonstrating a positive attitude that inspires others.
Throneberry is responsible for the university’s financial and administrative operations, including budget and planning; accounting and financial reporting activities; university accounts receivable; procurement services and risk management; auxiliary services; information technology and communications; and facilities and services, which includes oversight responsibility for about 700 full-time regular NMSU employees.
During the presentation, Carruthers said, “When members of the ‘Aggie Family’ were asked to comment on the nomination of Angela for this award, they jumped at the chance to shed light on why she is the perfect nominee.”
Glen Haubold, associate vice president for facilities, said, “Through her example, she has taught us how to face adversity, delegate effectively and think strategically. Angela consistently demonstrates sound leadership and management abilities by improving operating efficiencies, championing procedural changes and achieving established goals.”
D’Anne Stuart, associate vice president for administration and finance, said, “Angela works tirelessly in support of New Mexico State University. Riding for the brand is instilled in who she is and how she serves the university. Angela’s commitment to NMSU is unwavering and an inspiration to those who work with her.”
The next regularly scheduled NMSU Board of Regents meeting is Jan. 30, 2015, in Santa Fe, N.M.
Information from NMSU