OPINION: From crisis to recovery: The Higher Education Department

When an institution is in trouble, problems can pile up quickly. From the outside, the damage appears irreversible. It takes a significant, collective effort — sometimes the comprehensive work of an entire government agency — to not only stop the landslide but also to begin the painstaking work of rebuilding.

The New Mexico Higher Education Department has been that agency, and I want to share a positive, but often unheard, story about two of our state’s institutions that are now on the path to recovery thanks to our dedicated, hands-on involvement.

Just a few years ago, Mesalands Community College was teetering on the brink of closing due to misuse of funds and other financial issues. Financial mismanagement and internal turmoil threatened to close the school. After the previous president resigned in the wake of a faculty vote of no confidence, it seemed like the end was near.

However, in the past two years, Mesalands has achieved a remarkable turnaround. The HED worked directly with new college leadership to rectify broken financial systems and establish robust new internal controls. We didn’t just offer advice; we were in the weeds, helping to rebuild the school’s fiscal foundation from the ground up. The department also acted as the school’s chief advocate, securing essential emergency funding from the Legislature and the state Board of Finance to bridge the gap and restore stability. This active intervention was critical.

Today, Mesalands has positive fund balances, positive cash flow and stabilized enrollment. This isn’t a miracle; it’s a testament to the hard work of the faculty, staff and the community of Tucumcari, all of whom were instrumental in creating the conditions for this ongoing recovery, with our department leading the effort.

Western New Mexico University faced a different kind of crisis but one that was just as damaging. Publicized allegations of inappropriate spending by its former president eroded public trust and led to a leadership vacuum.

Our department initiated investigations into the financial allegations and then stepped in to manage the day-to-day operations after the president and board resigned. We held weekly meetings, trained a new board of regents and even provided direct support during a recent cyberattack. By working collaboratively with the university and helping to guide its functions, we kept it moving forward and set it on a path toward a more stable future. We’re still on the road to full stability, but the university is on a stronger trajectory because the department was there every step of the way, providing the leadership and stability it desperately needed.

There are no quick fixes for deep-seated problems. Charting the course and keeping it on track requires patience, foresight and a steady hand. The New Mexico Higher Education Department wants the communities of New Mexico to feel confident that we will continue to provide that additional layer of security and assistance. Our work goes beyond crisis management to include regular oversight and training that helps all our higher education institutions thrive. The department carries out this essential work in the background, with no expectation of public acclaim. We view these initiatives as a core part of our mission and our responsibility, and we are proud to fulfill them on behalf of the people of New Mexico. Because when our colleges succeed, our students — and our state — succeed.