Amid financial scandals, New Mexico governor appoints brother to university regents board – The Times of India

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has sparked controversy with her appointment of her brother, Greg Lujan, to the board of regents at New Mexico Highlands University. The move comes as the university system grapples with increasing concerns over financial mismanagement and lack of accountability. Lujan, who is 64 years old, has been appointed as the student regent for the five-member board at the university, pending state Senate confirmation, the governor’s office confirmed on February 18, 2025.
The appointment is drawing attention for both its timing and the potential conflicts of interest it may raise. Greg Lujan, a mortgage loan officer who returned to college last year, is currently pursuing a degree in business and applied sciences under a state scholarship. He has been a high-achieving student, making the dean’s list for his academic performance. However, critics argue that the appointment may undermine the integrity of the university’s oversight, especially given the recent scandals surrounding wasteful spending in the state’s regional universities.
Concerns over cronyism and financial mismanagement
The timing of this appointment is significant, as New Mexico’s higher education system is facing heightened scrutiny. In recent months, the university system has been rocked by a series of financial scandals. Most notably, a report revealed over $363,000 in wasteful spending and improper use of public funds at Western New Mexico University. Former President Joseph Shepard was also given a nearly $2 million severance package, prompting state prosecutors to investigate further. These financial mismanagement issues have led to state lawmakers pushing for stronger oversight of university boards, especially regarding their role in approving budgets and making key financial decisions.
Republican state Senator James Townsend of Artesia voiced concern about the governor’s decision to appoint a family member to a position of authority, calling it an “unfortunate circumstance.” He expressed that such an appointment would likely face skepticism in the confirmation process, as reported by the Associated Press.
Role of the student regent
The appointment of Greg Lujan is noteworthy because, despite being labeled as a “student regent,” the position carries full voting rights, according to William García, the departing chairman of the board at Highlands University. The university, located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, serves roughly 3,000 students. Many of these students are pursuing careers in education and social work, making the board’s decisions crucial to their futures. “Their vote is of equal value and eagerly sought,” García said, as quoted by the Associated Press.
As state prosecutors continue to investigate the financial irregularities at other institutions, the governor’s appointment of her brother raises further questions about governance and accountability in New Mexico’s public universities.