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Senate Rules panel advances Lance Powell reappointment to Eastern New Mexico University Board of Regents
Summary
The Senate Rules Committee voted to move Lance Powell’s reappointment at Eastern New Mexico University forward to a full Senate confirmation after supporters and committee members emphasized his county management experience and financial oversight role on the board.
Lance Powell, a longtime county manager and current Eastern New Mexico University (EMU) regent, was advanced by the Senate Rules Committee for full Senate confirmation following a show of bipartisan support and a roll-call motion.
Powell’s reappointment, presented by Senator D. Woods, drew praise from university and local officials for his financial oversight and leadership on EMU’s audit and finance committee. “He has been a great partner with me in taking advantage of those opportunities, continuing to grow the university,” Chancellor James Johnson said in support.
The committee’s recommendation matters because the Board of Regents sets university policy, approves budgets and hires senior leadership. Supporters told senators Powell helped maintain clean audits and guided EMU through enrollment growth; Powell told the panel he helped spur a new master of social work program and internships intended to retain graduates in the region.
During questioning, committee members pressed Powell on enrollment drivers, online programming and the board’s role in oversight of athletics. Powell credited a combination of Opportunity Scholarship eligibility, online programs and community engagement for rising enrollment and said the board approves policies and must ensure they are followed. "Board of Regents approves the policies and procedures. We need to make sure those policies and procedures are being complied with," Powell said.
Supporters who spoke included Chancellor James Johnson, Tony Major (EMU vice president for administration and finance), and Joya Spars (executive director, New Mexico Counties). Several additional letters and supporters were noted by the committee but did not speak.
Committee Vice Chair Jaramillo called for a roll-call vote on a motion to move Powell’s nomination to the floor; the committee recorded eight votes in favor of advancing the reappointment. The committee will send the nomination to the full Senate for confirmation.
Powell introduced family members in the hearing room and described his background in county and municipal government and service on the EMU board. He requested the committee’s support and answered questions about infrastructure investment and alumni engagement as priorities for the university.
The nomination now proceeds to a full Senate confirmation vote.
