Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico University’s board of regents officially said goodbye Saturday to retiring university President Steven Gamble.
Gamble received an inscribed Nambe bowl and president emeritus status.
“It is quite an honor, thank you,” Gamble said.
The letter announcing his new emeritus status listed his watchful eye over hundreds of thousands of dollars of construction, his consistent attending of events and many other duties performed by Gamble over his 16 years as president.
“What you have done for this university and this campus is unbelievable,” said Board President Dan Patterson.
The new president, Jeff Elwell, will take over on July 1.
During the meeting, it was also recognized that Clayton Alred, president of ENMU-Ruidoso will be retiring Jan. 1.
Also at Saturday’s meeting:
• The board heard a summer update from Gamble on the $700,000 worth of renovations to be done to Portales’ campus over the summer. Projects include re-paving and painting.
• The board heard concerns from Gamble over the number of retirees being lost by the university annually. He said ENMU ended the year with 11 retirees this school year. “The health of the state of New Mexico isn’t doing us much good in terms of keeping good people,” Gamble said.
• The board heard a financial update from Gamble in light of the special legislative session in Santa Fe. He said the university will take a 1 percent funding cut. To help make up money, the university has cut 20 positions through attrition. Job cuts included a position in communication services, the library, financial aid, recruiting and the physical plant.
• The board heard an update from Roswell President John Madden. He said they are negotiating a possible relationship with the University of New Mexico with a rehabilitation hospital on campus.
• The board heard an update from Madden on the GEARUP federal grant, which will grant $700,000 in scholarships to the class of 2017 graduates from Hagerman, Lake Arthur, Goddard, Roswell and Dexter high schools. They are re-applying for this grant.
• The board approved research and public service projects for the Portales campus. The campus is requesting $5 million.
• The board approved the addition of a $7 fee for transferring of transcripts.
— Compiled by Staff Writer Anna George