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Bothell Today
By the People, for the People
WNMU Announces Finalists for 16th President
Three candidates to visit campus this week, two more next week, with public meet-and-greets scheduled.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Western New Mexico University is in the final stages of selecting its 16th president, with five finalists set to visit the campus over the next two weeks. The public will have a chance to meet and hear from each candidate during 90-minute sessions in the university's library.
Why it matters
The selection of a new university president is a critical decision that will shape the institution's future direction and priorities. WNMU's next leader will need to navigate challenges facing higher education, including declining enrollment, budget constraints, and evolving student needs.
The details
The five finalists are Jose E. Coll, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Western Oregon University; Cameron Wesson, provost and vice president for academic affairs at La Salle University; Carlos Romero, associate vice president of research at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology; Sharon Jones, former vice chancellor for academic affairs and a tenured professor at the University of Washington Bothell; and Mario Martinez, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Fort Lewis College. Each candidate will participate in forums with faculty, students, and staff, in addition to the public meet-and-greets.
- The first candidate, Jose E. Coll, will visit on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
- Cameron Wesson will be on campus on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
- Carlos Romero will visit on Friday, February 28, 2026.
- Sharon Jones and Mario Martinez will visit on March 3 and 4, 2026, respectively.
- The WNMU Board of Regents expects to announce the new president in a public meeting on March 17, 2026.
The players
Jose E. Coll
Provost and vice president for academic affairs at Western Oregon University.
Cameron Wesson
Provost and vice president for academic affairs at La Salle University.
Carlos Romero
Associate vice president of research at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Sharon Jones
Former vice chancellor for academic affairs and a tenured professor at the University of Washington Bothell.
Mario Martinez
Provost and vice president for academic affairs at Fort Lewis College.
What’s next
The WNMU Board of Regents expects to announce the new president in a public meeting on March 17, 2026.
The takeaway
The finalists for WNMU's 16th president represent a diverse set of academic leaders with experience navigating the challenges facing higher education. The public will have an opportunity to engage with the candidates and provide feedback to the Board of Regents as they make this important decision.
