POSITION SUMMARY
New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) invites applications and nominations for the position of President. Located in the historic community of Las Vegas, New Mexico, NMHU seeks an experienced, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as its next President and advance the University's mission of student success, academic excellence, community engagement, and institutional sustainability.
The President serves as the University's chief executive officer and reports directly to the NMHU Board of Regents. The President provides executive leadership for the University, advances the University's Strategic Plan, supports excellence in teaching, research, and public service, communicates the University's mission and goals to internal and external constituencies, and leads efforts to secure the resources necessary to advance institutional priorities.
Direct reports include the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Vice President of Student Affairs, General Counsel, Director of Athletics, and other cabinet-level positions.
ABOUT NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY
New Mexico Highlands University is a public institution of higher education located in northern New Mexico. The University provides undergraduate and graduate education and serves students from New Mexico, across the United States, and internationally. NMHU is committed to accessible, high-quality educational opportunities and to preparing students for meaningful careers, advanced study, and engaged citizenship.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide strategic leadership by developing, communicating, and implementing a clear vision for the University's future in collaboration with the Board of Regents and campus community.
- Provide effective oversight of the University's financial resources, budget, facilities, technology, and other institutional assets while promoting long-term financial sustainability and sound internal controls.
- Advance academic excellence through collaboration with academic leadership and faculty to strengthen academic quality, program development, research, innovation, and student learning outcomes.
- Champion student access and success, including initiatives that strengthen recruitment, retention, persistence, completion, and career outcomes.
- Serve as the University's chief ambassador and build productive relationships with legislators, government agencies, donors, alumni, tribal and community leaders, businesses, educational partners, and other stakeholders.
- Lead and develop the University community by promoting collaboration, accountability, open communication, and appropriate shared governance.
- Support institutional advancement, fundraising, alumni engagement, external partnerships, and efforts to strengthen the University's public profile.
- Promote an inclusive environment in which students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds are welcomed, respected, and provided meaningful opportunities to succeed.
MINIMUM / REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate must demonstrate the executive leadership capacity necessary to lead a complex university in a multicultural environment. At a minimum, candidates must possess:
- Substantial experience in higher education leadership.
- Demonstrated leadership of personnel, finances, facilities, and institutional operations in a complex higher education environment.
- A Ph.D./Ed.D. or similar academic doctorate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Preference may be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Prior experience as a president, provost, vice president, dean, or other senior executive at a college or university.
- Experience leading an institution through organizational or financial change.
- Successful experience with enrollment management, student recruitment, retention, and completion initiatives.
- Successful fundraising, development, alumni engagement, and external partnership experience.
- Experience working with state-supported public institutions and with accreditation and institutional effectiveness.
- Experience working with rural, regional, Hispanic-Serving, or minority-serving institutions.
- Demonstrated ability to understand complex university finances, align resources with institutional priorities, strengthen internal controls, manage constrained budgets, and make disciplined long-term financial decisions.
- Knowledge of and experience with the appropriate role of intercollegiate athletics in a university of NMHU's size and mission.
- Experience managing and assessing educational centers and their impact on institutional resources.
- Familiarity with the opportunities and challenges facing public higher education in New Mexico or the Southwest.
DESIRED LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS
NMHU seeks a President who demonstrates:
- Strategic vision and the ability to translate institutional priorities into measurable action.
- Collaborative leadership and the ability to build trust among individuals and groups with differing perspectives.
- A strong commitment to open access and to educating and supporting students from diverse and underserved backgrounds.
- Ethical leadership, sound judgment, transparency, personal accountability, and professionalism.
- Respect for the respective roles of the Board, President, faculty, administration, and institutional committees, including shared governance, consultation, and appropriate decision-making processes.
- The ability to strengthen morale and develop productive relationships with faculty, staff, students, Regents, alumni, and community partners.
- Understanding of and respect for the history, communities, cultures, traditions, and educational needs of northern New Mexico.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to represent the University credibly with internal and external constituencies.
APPLICATION DETAILS
COMPENSATION
The salary and employment package will be competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. The University will provide a comprehensive executive benefits package. Additional details regarding compensation and benefits will be provided during the search process.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications and nominations are encouraged. Candidates should submit:
- A letter of interest addressing their qualifications and interest in serving as President of New Mexico Highlands University;
- A current curriculum vitae or résumé; and
- The names and contact information for three professional references.
Application materials should be submitted electronically to: PresidentSearch2026@nmhu.edu
For full consideration, applications should be received by October 24, 2026. The position will remain open until a successful candidate is identified.
Confidential inquiries may be directed to Joseph Dominguez at PresidentSearch2026@nmhu.edu.
Additional information about New Mexico Highlands University can be found at: www.nmhu.edu
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
New Mexico Highlands University is an equal opportunity employer. The University is committed to providing an educational and employment environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment and encourages applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.