Presidential Search
Presidential Search – 2026
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Overview
New Mexico Tech has launched a presidential search to identify the institution’s next leader. This page serves as the central source for official information and updates regarding the search process, including governance, committee membership, key milestones, and opportunities for engagement as appropriate.
The Board of Regents is committed to conducting a thoughtful, transparent, and legally compliant search that reflects the needs of the campus community and the broader Socorro community.
Search Oversight and Governance
The presidential search is overseen by the Board of Regents of the New Mexico Institute of
Mining and Technology, which holds final authority for the selection and appointment of the
President.
The Board has established a Presidential Search Committee to conduct the search process and recommend finalists for consideration by the Regents. The committee serves in an advisory capacity.
Presidential Search Committee
Committee Chair
Dr. Steve Simpson
Dean of Arts and Sciences
Committee Members
- Jerry Armijo, New Mexico Tech Regent, Vice President
- Nelia Dunbar, Emerita Researcher and State Geologist; Adjunct Faculty, Earth and Environmental Science Department
- Manny Gonzales, Chief Executive Officer, Socorro Electric Cooperative, Inc.
- Ella Hooks, President, New Mexico Tech Student Government Association
- Megha Khandelwal, Director of Teacher Education Programs, STEM Education Center, and Assistant Professor of Chemistry
- Yolanda Jones King, New Mexico Tech Regent, Secretary/Treasurer
- Michael Smith, Director, Institute for Complex Additive Systems Analysis (ICASA)
- Val Thomas, Research Compliance Officer (RCO), NMT Staff Council Co-Chair
Search Timeline and Key Milestones
- The presidential search will proceed through the following phases. Updates will be posted as milestones are reached.
- Formation of the Presidential Search Committee
- Position announcement and recruitment
- Application review and candidate screening
- Identification and public announcement of finalists
- Board of Regents consideration and selection of the President
All phases of the search will be conducted in alignment with Board of Regents meeting schedules and applicable state requirements.
Confidentiality and Legal Requirements
To ensure a strong and competitive applicant pool, candidate identities and committee deliberations will remain confidential until finalists are publicly announced.
The search process will comply with all applicable state laws, including the New Mexico
Open
Meetings Act, public records requirements, and public notice requirements, as well
as guidance from the Office of the Attorney General.
Campus and Community Engagement
New Mexico Tech values input from its campus and the broader Socorro community. Opportunities for engagement will be shared as the search progresses and as permitted by law.
Information regarding finalist engagement, if applicable, will be announced and posted on this page.
Updates and Announcements
This section will be updated as key milestones are reached.
- January 14, 2026 – Board of Regents announces presidential search
- February 10, 2026 – Presidential search committee convened.
- February 11, 2026 - Presidential search committee began application review and candidate screening.
- February 20, 2026 - Presidential search committee meeting.
- (Additional updates will be posted here)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who selects the President of New Mexico Tech?
The President is selected and appointed by the Board of Regents.
Why are candidate names confidential?
Confidentiality is necessary to attract a strong and diverse pool of candidates and
is consistent with best practices and legal requirements. Finalists will be publicly
announced in accordance with state law.
How will finalists be announced?
Finalists will be publicly announced through required public notices and official
New Mexico Tech communications.
How can I stay informed?
Updates will be posted on this webpage as the search progresses.
Contact
For general questions regarding the presidential search process, please contact:
JoAnn Salome, Director of Human Resources
(575) 835-5955
joann.salome@nmt.edu
Vanessa Grain, Chief Executive Assistant to the President
(575) 835-5600
vanessa.grain@nmt.edu