Regent pick called ‘committed’

When new University of New Mexico regent Conrad James was a state representative, he often could be found working on two computers.

One was for legislative work, while the other was for his work as a biomedical device researcher and developer at Sandia National Laboratories.

According to friend and former colleague Rep. Alonzo Baldonado, R-Los Lunas, that’s the kind of man James is: dedicated.

“He’s a committed individual to his causes. If he finds something that he wants to support, he makes sure that he follows through to the end,” Baldonado said.

Baldonado sat behind James on the State House floor when the two served in the New Mexico Legislature. James, a Republican who represented Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights for one term, lost his bid for re-election last November.

The two became good friends, spending time together outside of the Roundhouse and with their children, who are of similar ages, Baldonado said. James’ children are 6, 8 and 11 years old.

“He’s a very attentive father and husband to his family. He’s just a really well-rounded, good, well-natured and caring individual,” he said.

James described himself as a family man and devout public servant.

Since losing his seat last year, the Columbus, Ohio, native has been looking for other ways to help his community, he said.

Serving on the board “really gives me a good opportunity to contribute my public service towards the state,” James said. Gov. Susana Martinez named James to replace Don Chalmers, whose term was up. James still must be confirmed by the state Senate. Regents’ terms last six years.

“Higher education has always been a priority for me, making sure that students can succeed after they leave high school. … And I think that it is the opportunity out of a dire economic situation for many students, and it was for me and I just want to be a part of helping that process occur for students,” he said.

James, 38, obtained his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Notre Dame and his master’s and doctorate degrees from Cornell University.

James said his experience at private universities will play a role in his turn as regent.

“I think one of the things that it does is it gives me a perspective on stressing both the education portion of our university and the research portion. And I think that New Mexico is and can continue to be a world-class institution for education and for research,” he said.

Because he attended a university with an international student body, he’s especially understanding of President Bob Frank’s initiative to increase the number of students from abroad.

“I’m very much in tune with the president’s vision for bringing students from out of state to UNM and for bringing students from outside the United States to UNM. I think it’s a tremendous opportunity to be part of the global economy and the global higher education base that’s out there,” James said.
— This article appeared on page A6 of the Albuquerque Journal