New Mexico Highlands Names Five Presidential Finalists
The finalists are drawn from more than 100 applicants after the university's previous president was fired in June.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in College Applications
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New Mexico Highlands University has selected five finalists to become its next president, including a New Mexico state lawmaker and four college administrators. The search committee, chaired by Joseph Dominguez, narrowed a pool of more than 100 applicants, and the finalist announcement was made in a statement on Thursday.
Why it matters
The search follows the firing of former President Neil Woolf by regents in early June and a wave of high-level dismissals that included the provost, several vice presidents and the men's basketball coach. A special audit prompted by the state auditor is underway, and Woolf and other former staff have filed lawsuits alleging discrimination and retaliation, which the university's next leader will inherit.
The search committee chose five finalists from more than 100 applications for the presidency. Whether the finalists' records will satisfy regents and the state auditor's review has not yet been determined.
The players
New Mexico Highlands University
A public university in Las Vegas, New Mexico, operating under a governing board of regents that oversees its leadership decisions.
Neil Woolf
The former president of New Mexico Highlands University who was fired by regents in early June and has since filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and retaliation.
Joseph Dominguez
The chair of the presidential search committee at New Mexico Highlands University who oversaw the narrowing of applicants to five finalists.
The details
Four of the five finalists are college administrators and one is a sitting New Mexico state lawmaker. The shortlist was announced in a statement on Thursday, November 12, 2026, by the presidential search committee chaired by Joseph Dominguez.
Timeline
Early June 2026: Regents fired former President Neil Woolf, the first in a wave of high-level dismissals.
Thursday, November 12, 2026: The search committee announced five finalists for the presidency.
Season Trajectory
The finalist announcement comes while a special audit prompted by the state auditor is examining the leadership upheaval that began with Neil Woolf's firing. The next president will take office amid that review and the lawsuits filed by Woolf and other former staff alleging discrimination and retaliation.
Prospective students weighing New Mexico Highlands University should note that its leadership is in transition and under audit, which may affect program stability and admissions policies. Families comparing schools can check the university's official communications for any changes once a new president is named.
The takeaway
Leadership turnover at a public university can reshape admissions, programs and governance for years. Applicants should watch for the new president's priorities and any audit findings before committing.
Further reading
For more on how institutions shortlist candidates, browse College Applications coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Fe New Mexican.
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