WNMU Hopeful Romero Touts Community, Campus Connections

Carlos Rey Romero, associate vice president for research at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, met with the public during his campus visit as a candidate for WNMU president.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Carlos Rey Romero, a candidate for the 16th president of Western New Mexico University, emphasized the importance of serving the local community and building strong connections between the university and its surrounding areas during his campus visit. Romero, who is currently the associate vice president for research at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, spoke about his personal background, his experience in higher education and public policy, and his vision for how WNMU can be a hub for the region.

Why it matters

As WNMU searches for its next president, Romero's focus on community engagement and regional partnerships could be a key factor in determining the university's future direction and its ability to serve the needs of southwestern New Mexico.

The details

During his visit, Romero shared stories of his own educational journey, including his time as a student at New Mexico Tech where he initially struggled to find his place before developing a stronger connection to the campus community. He emphasized the importance of higher education in transforming lives and families, and described his passion for helping students succeed even when they face challenges. Romero also discussed his background in public policy, including his work with the New Mexico Finance Authority to understand the needs of communities like Silver City and help them access resources and financing. He sees WNMU as uniquely positioned to serve as a 'regional university' that can meet the diverse needs of students and the broader community through its academic programs, workforce training, and community engagement.

  • Romero met with the public on Friday, March 3, 2026 in the J. Cloyd Miller Library at WNMU.
  • Romero's campus visit was part of the search process for WNMU's 16th president.

The players

Carlos Rey Romero

The associate vice president for research at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and a candidate for the 16th president of Western New Mexico University.

Priscilla Lucero

The executive director of the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments, who helped introduce Romero to local leaders and their needs.

Luis Terrazas

The District 39 state representative who helped secure state funding for an economic development director in the region.

John Wertheim

A WNMU regent who asked Romero to comment on the university's cultural affairs offerings.

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What they’re saying

“You can't do that in a vacuum. You can't do that from Santa Fe. You have to come and meet people and understand what's going on and see what the issues are.”

— Carlos Rey Romero, Associate Vice President for Research, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (scdailypress.com)

“This university not only has the ability to help this community, but to help the entire state.”

— Carlos Rey Romero, Associate Vice President for Research, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (scdailypress.com)

What’s next

The WNMU Board of Regents will continue their search process and make a decision on the university's next president in the coming months.

The takeaway

Romero's emphasis on community engagement, regional partnerships, and serving the diverse needs of students and the broader southwestern New Mexico community could make him a compelling candidate to lead WNMU as it seeks to strengthen its role as a 'regional university' and vital institution for the area.