Date:
5/27/2008
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 575.562.2253
PORTALES—Jamie C. Laurenz has been named as the new vice president for Academic Affairs at Eastern New Mexico University. Laurenz, who will begin Aug. 1, is currently Associate Vice President for Research and Academic Support at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He has served in various positions at Kingsville since 1996.
In making the announcement, Steven Gamble, ENMU president, said, “Dr. Laurenz should be an excellent fit with Eastern. I believe we are fortunate to attract such a well-qualified administrator and leader. He has a good understanding and appreciation of our student-centered mission."
Laurenz has a master's and doctorate in animal science from Texas A&M University, and a bachelor's in animal science from South Dakota State University.
"My family and I are very excited about coming to Portales and Eastern New Mexico University, said Laurenz. "Eastern's focus on student learning makes it the kind of institution that I want to a part of. The Portales area has the kind of wide-open spaces that I grew up with and feel comfortable with. I am eager to get started and help Eastern continue its great tradition of helping students from all backgrounds succeed."
Laurenz has also taught or been a researcher at Texas A&M University and Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, Mo.
Laurenz replaces Robert Vartabedian, who has accepted the presidency at Missouri Western State University. Michael Sitton, dean of the College of Fine Arts, will serve as interim vice president.