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NMHU Faces State Probe Over Financial Mismanagement
5 Jun
Summary
- New Mexico Highlands University is under enhanced fiscal oversight from the state.
- A special audit was launched by the State Auditor following leadership changes.
- A corrective action plan is required to address financial irregularities and declining solvency.
New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) is currently under enhanced fiscal oversight by the state's Higher Education Department. This development follows a series of leadership and financial issues that have recently plagued the institution. The Higher Education Secretary has mandated that NMHU's interim president submit a corrective action plan.
This plan is crucial for addressing concerns regarding the university's financial health, including low reserves, deficits in athletics funding, and rising costs in the nursing program and staff salaries. The need for a corrective action plan was underscored by indicators of potential fraud and significant weaknesses in internal controls. The state's actions are in direct response to these serious financial irregularities.
The situation escalated with the State Auditor launching a special audit of NMHU. This audit was initiated in the wake of the board of regents firing university President Neil Woolf, who had been placed on paid administrative leave approximately one month prior. Several other high-level departures have also occurred, impacting key administrative and coaching positions.
The university has stated its commitment to cooperating with the state's demands and will submit the required corrective action plan. However, specific actions are still under discussion. The corrective action plan will be a prerequisite for the Higher Education Department's approval of NMHU's budget adjustments for fiscal year 2026 and its operating budget for fiscal year 2027.
