ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico’s Attorney General is taking legal action against Western New Mexico University’s regents and its outgoing president to challenge a controversial severance package that includes nearly $2 million. This comes after a damaging report revealed significant waste and insufficient financial oversight within the university.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez has alleged multiple violations, including breaches of fiduciary duty and infractions of the state’s open meetings law and constitution. He raised concerns about the quick issuance of a check to the president after several regents resigned under pressure from state officials.
Initially, the Attorney General’s office filed an emergency motion in state district court to prevent any payout to the ex-president, unaware that a check had already been issued on January 2.
The state is now seeking a court order to stop the former president from utilizing the funds, requesting the establishment of a trust for the money until the legal matter is resolved.
Despite repeated requests for documents, the university has not provided any evidence clarifying who initiated the negotiations surrounding the president’s exit. Torrez suggested that the situation has been marred by greed and arrogance, indicating students may suffer as a result.
“It is absolutely disgraceful that those entrusted with the responsibility of providing education have instead exploited their positions for personal gain and engaged in lavish spending at taxpayers’ expense. This will not be tolerated,” Torrez stated.
The former president’s legal team has refuted these claims, asserting that the responsibility for negotiating and approving compensation and severance packages lies with the regents. They noted that prior notices were published indicating discussions about the presidential contract would be held during a December 20 meeting.
According to documentation filed in court, the university’s agreement to compensate the outgoing president exceeds three times the sum necessary for a no-cause termination. The deal also secures him a tenured faculty position with an annual salary of at least $200,000 for five years, along with an eight-month fully paid sabbatical.
This leadership upheaval follows an investigation by the state auditor’s office, uncovering over $363,000 in excessive spending and misuse of public funds.
State lawmakers raised concerns in 2023 regarding the former president’s expenditures on international trips and luxury items, as well as his spouse’s use of university funds. He contended that his spending was reviewed and approved by the regents, claiming he adhered to the governing policies regarding public funds.
The unfolding developments may prompt lawmakers to consider new regulations in the upcoming legislative session.
House Speaker Javier Martinez expressed support for measures aimed at ensuring that public institutions prioritize the interests of students and taxpayers over the personal gains of university officials. “This is fundamentally about protecting New Mexico taxpayers’ money and affirming that no individual is above the law,” he remarked.
