University of New Mexico
Dr. Steve Goldstein became the 24th president of The University of New Mexico on July 15, 2026. A nationally recognized physician-scientist, educator, and higher education leader, he brings more than three decades of experience advancing research universities, academic health systems, and student success.
Goldstein’s leadership aligns with UNM's mission as New Mexico's flagship R1 research university, Hispanic-Serving Institution, and academic health system dedicated to serving communities across the state. His experience working with federal research agencies and translating scientific discovery into community impact complements UNM's partnerships with Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories and its commitment to advancing New Mexico's economy.
A Fellow of both the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Pediatrics, he has served in national advisory roles for the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.
Goldstein earned bachelor's and master’s degrees in biochemistry from Brandeis University and M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in molecular immunology from Harvard University.
New Mexico State University
President Valerio Ferme, Ph.D. became New Mexico State University’s 32nd president in January 2025. As president, he leads the state’s comprehensive research, land-grant university, through its mission of excellence in student education, research and innovation, and public service.
An avid reader and polymath with degrees in biology, religious studies, and comparative literature, Ferme has had a distinguished academic career as a researcher, publishing three monographs, three edited volumes, two book-length translations, a book of poetry, and more than 80 other publications. His commitment to students led to top-faculty teaching recognition at the University of Colorado, while supporting students who earned PhDs across diverse fields.
His collaborative approach to leadership is shaped by experience in team-based sports, partnerships, and family. At NMSU, he is focused on advancing strategic opportunities, strengthening student success, and engaging students through teaching and campus connections. He brings a broad interdisciplinary perspective and a deep commitment to diversity, opportunity, and excellence in higher education.
New Mexico Tech
Dr. Michael Jackson serves as the 19th president of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) and Chair of the New Mexico Council of University Presidents. He leads one of the nation’s premier STEM-focused research institutions.
A physicist by training, Jackson joined New Mexico Tech in 2021 and served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs before assuming the presidency. Prior to NMT, he served as founding dean of the College of Science and Technology at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where he expanded academic and research programs. He has also held faculty positions at Central Washington University, the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and the State University of West Georgia.
Jackson earned a B.S. in Physics and Applied Mathematics, magna cum laude, from SUNY Oswego and a Ph.D. in Physics from New Mexico State University. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Eastern New Mexico University
Dr. James Johnston serves as the 12th president of Eastern New Mexico University and the 3rd chancellor of the ENMU System. He arrived at ENMU with more than 20 years of administrative experience and a consistent track record of success in enrollment growth, innovative programming, and fundraising through both traditional and innovative partnerships. As an administrator, he has dedicated his energy and creativity to building a supportive learning environment committed to student success. In his fourth year at the helm, the ENMU System has seen significant progress in enrollment growth, philanthropy, and innovative programming.
A first-generation college graduate, Johnston began his education at South Plains College, earning an Associate Degree in Radiologic Sciences.
He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences from Midwestern State University, followed by a Ph.D. in Health Studies from Texas Woman’s University in 2006.
A teacher-scholar at heart, Johnston is the author of Essentials of Radiographic Physics and Imaging, now in its fourth edition, and has contributed to numerous refereed journals and scholarly publications. He holds strongly to a student-centered teaching philosophy — one that has guided his approach to leadership throughout his career.
Northern New Mexico College
Hector Balderas, JD, CFE brings a record of public service to his role as president of Northern New Mexico College. A champion of the underserved and a coalition builder, he leads Northern with a commitment to access and opportunity for New Mexicans.
Raised by a single mother in Wagon Mound, New Mexico, Balderas carries a conviction that every person deserves opportunity to succeed. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from New Mexico Highlands University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law.
His public career includes service as a Bernalillo County Assistant District Attorney, New Mexico State Representative, State Auditor, and Attorney General. As Auditor, he oversaw $60 billion in government assets; as Attorney General, he transformed divisions focused on protecting children, families, and the environment. His civil court victories include the largest Tobacco Settlement payment in state history.
Balderas is licensed to practice law in New Mexico and is a Certified Fraud Examiner.
New Mexico Highlands University
Dr. Kimberly Blea serves as the interim president of New Mexico Highlands University, bringing more than 20 years of experience in student affairs, institutional leadership, and advancing student success at a Hispanic-Serving Institution dedicated to access and opportunity. A Las Vegas, New Mexico native and Highlands alumna, she is deeply connected to the university’s mission of transforming lives through education.
Blea previously served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Highlands, where she led initiatives focused on student support, retention, and campus engagement. She earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico, along with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New Mexico Highlands University.
A first-generation college student who worked while earning her degrees, Blea brings personal experience and professional expertise to her leadership, reflecting Highlands’ commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds. She has championed programs that support underserved students, strengthen community partnerships, and create pathways for student achievement.
Western New Mexico University
Jose E. Coll, Ph.D. is the 16th president of Western New Mexico University (WNMU) and a higher education leader with a demonstrated record of impact across public and private institutions.
Before joining WNMU, Dr. Coll served as Provost at Western Oregon University. He has held senior leadership roles at Portland State University, Texas State University, the University of Southern California, and Saint Leo University. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, followed by a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision. His scholarship focuses on worldview development and the counseling needs of military-affiliated students navigating transitions to civilian and academic life.
A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Cuban-born American, Dr. Coll brings lived experience shaped by service and resilience to his leadership. He is a published scholar and editor of books and edited volumes on military social work and student veterans in higher education, advancing support for military-affiliated students.