Q. How did you feel when you were appointed president of Eastern New Mexico University?

A. “Shock!” is the word that comes to mind. I had never considered the possibility of being a university president. Most of my experience had been in teaching and in faculty affairs serving on the Faculty Senate. Although I was serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs at the time of the appointment, I regarded myself as a member of the faculty temporarily engaged in administration. I did not want to be president, but obviously changed my mind quite hurriedly.

The Board of Regents determined to conduct an abbreviated, internal search. The President of the Board came to my office and asked if I would have an interest in the position. I was surprised and reluctant, but certainly appreciative that they asked me. They indicated a level of trust that I was not aware of at the time. Within about three hours that Saturday morning, they invited me in for an interview, offered me the position, and somewhat dazed I talked with my wife, Sandra, and accepted the Board’s offer. Little did we know that over the course of a few hours our lives would change so drastically, and we would experience the most challenging and fulfilling time of our lives.

Q. What were ENMU’s strengths when you became president?

A. As a comprehensive regional university, Eastern became a “liberal arts and professional programs” institution. Emphasizing teaching/learning, close faculty-student relationships and small classes, Eastern developed a number of programs that received regional and/or national recognition. Through the years, the Teacher Education Program had established a strong reputation with the public schools in New Mexico and beyond. Programs such as anthropology and archaeology, music, undergraduate science and math, the pre-med program, broadcast television and accounting were regarded as excellent programs throughout the Southwest. In addition, the research component of faculty expectations had been strengthened as faculty were encouraged to engage in research and publication to maintain relevancy and currency in their teaching specialties.

Q. What were some of the biggest challenges?

A. I am afraid that the challenges during my time in office were not particularly creative or unusual. Outside forces beyond our control, however, demanded immediate attention. Enrollment stability became a major preoccupation when national data projected that fewer high school graduates would be available to recruit to Eastern. At the same time, a population shift from eastern New Mexico to communities in the Rio Grande River Valley, and the growth of two-year colleges on the east side, decreased the recruitment pool and greatly increased competition for students. Thus, the recruitment of students, and the retention of those students already enrolled at Eastern, became a primary concern.

Q. What were some of the hardest decisions?

A. Two related areas provided the context for the most difficult decisions I found necessary to make while serving as president. Personnel decisions associated with the denial of tenure and the non-retention of faculty, administrators and staff created the most painful and distressing experiences. I was clearly aware that negative personnel decisions I had to make would directly affect the lives of many people. While such decisions were necessary, I had two main concerns. Was a given personnel decision legal, and was it fair?
Closely related to personnel decisions was the reduction of academic programs. The reduction of a program, however justified, negatively affected students and faculty. Programmatic reduction occurred primarily because of a lack of student enrollment, or a lack of funding required the reduction of a program. In either case, those decisions were never easy and involved a great deal of consultation, study and thought.

Q. What were some of Eastern’s accomplishments?

A. I tend to think of two developments about which I have been most thankful to have participated. For a number of years, the average scores for entering freshmen were low compared to regional universities across the nation. A combined effort to raise funds for scholarships, and a change of focus in recruiting, resulted in significant increases in high ability students. An Honors Program was added to attract students and serve their needs and interests.

The second program of note during the 1980s was the establishment of a comprehensive Student Assessment Program. That program generated evidence of student achievement during the Eastern experience. Started in the mid-1980s, the program provided students,
faculty, prospective employers, and state and national agencies and associations with a benchmark of the University’s success. Recently, New Mexico has adopted assessment as a voluntary program for colleges and universities.

Q. How stressful were the day-to-day duties of being President?

A. I did not find the duties of being president particularly stressful. I can honestly say that I enjoyed going to work every day. Whatever stress we may have experienced was alleviated by the enjoyment of attending fine arts performances, and athletic and social events. We were away from home about five nights a week, but never out very late.

Q. What did you enjoy most about being president?

A. The most enjoyable part was the association with parents and students and having interaction with faculty and staff—particularly those with whom I worked every day. It was exciting and encouraging to travel around the state and hear employers talk about the quality of Eastern graduates. Working with the Foundation and off-campus constituencies was pleasant and rewarding. We made many friends representing the University.

Q. How did you feel when your presidency came to a close?

A. Either when I was appointed or shortly after, I indicated to the Regents that I would not stay in the position longer than six years, assuming that they wanted me in the position that long. When the sixth year approached, Sandra and I had a long talk and decided there was no good reason to continue past six years. When I announced that I was ready to step down and go back to the classroom, one of the Regents was kind enough to say that the timing was not right to leave the office. To me it meant that the time was exactly the right time. I never wanted to stay so long that everyone would be saying, “Will he ever leave?” I truly believe that if you have the choice in life, you should always pursue professional goals in which you can have fun and, hopefully, contribute positively to other people’s lives. The experience at Eastern as a student, member of the faculty, and administrator has been an enjoyable and exciting experience. For the past 75 years, the University has been blessed with quality people, both employees and students who make it a great place to study and work. I am confident that in 2084 the same will be true. Of course, I will be here to celebrate the 150th Anniversary. Go Greyhounds!