Senate Rules advances three nominees to Western New Mexico University Board of Regents

The Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday advanced three nominees for the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents to the full Senate for confirmation: John Wertheim, Joseph Dean Reed and student nominee Keana Rachel Huerta.

The nominations came as lawmakers repeatedly raised the need for fact-finding, a presidential search and improved governance at Western New Mexico, which has been the subject of public scrutiny and litigation. Committee members said the new regents should prioritize transparency, an independent review of recent financial matters and restoring confidence among students and the community.

Sponsor Senator Maestas introduced John Wertheim, describing him as “an extraordinarily talented businessman and legal mind.” Wertheim told the committee he intends to "listen to people, and to hear their stories and to get to the bottom of the facts and then move forward with progress for the university." He described a plan that would include a presidential search and possibly an independent, forensic-style audit while avoiding prejudging pending litigation. The committee voted to advance Wertheim to the full Senate; committee members recorded six votes in favor of moving his nomination forward.

Senator Roberts presented Joseph Dean Reed, a two-time Western graduate who retired after 40 years in health care. Reed said he wants to focus on the university’s future rather than its past: "I can do nothing about its past. We can impact its future." Members noted Reed’s ties to Silver City and the alumni community and voted to advance his nomination; the committee recorded seven votes in favor.

Keana Rachel Huerta, a Western student and former municipal councilwoman from Hurley, was presented by Senator Robles. Huerta said campus morale and uncertainty about student resources were among her top concerns and pledged transparency and student representation. The committee voted to send her nomination to the floor with seven members in favor.

Committee questions of the nominees focused on the pending attorney general litigation concerning past university payments and whether the nominees would pursue an independent investigation of the university’s finances and operations. Senator Duhigg asked whether the regents would remain neutral on litigation; Wertheim said the board will have to decide whether to take positions but emphasized he was not prejudging outcomes. Multiple senators urged regents to meet in person with campus stakeholders and rebuild relationships with the attorney general and state auditor.

Supporters who spoke on behalf of the nominees included Dr. Sarah Koplick, director of the Jewish Student Center at the University of New Mexico, who praised Wertheim’s student advocacy, and Logan White, a former Western student and Major League Baseball executive, who described Reed as "a man of consistency" with a long record of service. Former committee chair Marty Chavez also endorsed Wertheim.

Votes at a glance: John Wertheim — advanced to full Senate (committee tally: 6 in favor). Joseph Dean Reed — advanced to full Senate (committee tally: 7 in favor). Keana Rachel Huerta — advanced to full Senate (committee tally: 7 in favor).

The nominees will appear before the full Senate later the same day for confirmation votes. The committee’s actions do not themselves resolve questions about the university’s finances; members repeatedly said an independent review and a prompt presidential search are priorities moving forward.