WNMU Board Chair Stands by President in Spending Scandal; Public Calls for Resignations

Last Thursday, as Mary Hotvedt stepped down from her position as chair of the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents, she defended President Joe Shepard and the board from criticism. The board is under fire for spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on fancy furniture and foreign trips over the past few years. Hotvedt said the board was being treated unfairly by the public. Members of the public who attended the board meeting in Silver City demanded that both Shepard and the entire board resign. They want to see changes after finding out about the wasteful spending from 2018 to 2023. Shepard did not respond to the public's comments but asked the board to review the university’s travel policy. Hotvedt, who has been a board member for six years, accused whistleblowers and critics of trying to hurt both Shepard and the university. She praised the board members as accomplished individuals. However, some people believe the board is either unaware of the ethics issues or involved in wrongdoing. The allegations against Shepard include buying expensive furniture for the president’s residence and going on overseas trips with his wife and board members. These trips were supposed to help recruit international students. The university, the state auditor, and the higher education department are all investigating these allegations. Hotvedt mentioned that the university started asking for an independent spending audit last summer. She confirmed that the university has followed all audit recommendations and reformed its policies. Despite criticism, Hotvedt insisted that the board remains calm and deliberative, focusing on doing what’s best for the university. During the public comment period, future state senator Gabe Ramos supported the university, calling for people to move on and let Shepard and the board do their jobs. However, Miriam Hill, a former adjunct professor, disagreed. She called for Shepard and the board to step down out of respect for students and the university. Jay Hemphill, a former employee who once considered Shepard a friend, criticized the president for not taking responsibility or apologizing for the spending. He believes the mismanagement has damaged the university's reputation and its ability to raise funds. Hotvedt, in her closing remarks, emphasized that the board should not respond to media queries and should only speak on official decisions without adding editorial comments. Student Regent Trent Jones welcomed public criticism, saying it helps the board improve.