The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents acknowledged it made a mistake by awarding former President Joseph Shepard a $1.9 million severance package. Shepard resigned from his position after facing criticism over alleged misuse of university funds. Those accusations included lavish spending on furniture, a family wedding, and international trips. An agreement on terms were reached in December 2024, which ended Shepard’s tenure on Jan. 15, 2025. The WNMU Board of Regents said the agreement was invalid due to not complying with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act on Thursday, July 31.Two WNMU Board of Regents members resigned ahead of his planned severance payout set to happen before mid-January. Those decisions came after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called for an immediate resignation of the entire board following its support of the severance package. However, in response to the planned payout, Attorney General Raul Torrez filed an emergency restraining order in January 2025. Shepard initially refused to turn over the severance payout after the lawsuit was filed.The New Mexico Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit against Shepard, accusing him of violating the Governmental Conduct Act in June. Shepard was also accused of misusing funds intended for a ramp and walkway compliant with the American Disabilities Act.Video below: Former WNMU president speaks on alleged misuse of ‘American Disabilities Act’ funds for daughter’s weddingShepard provided a statement on the board’s decision on Thursday.”Today’s vote by WNMU’s Board of Regents to rescind my legitimate separation and faculty agreement with the University is the continuation of the highly orchestrated political smear campaign to damage and destroy my reputation, career, and livelihood,” Shepard said. “After serving 14 exemplary years of advancing the University, it’s troubling that this new, Governor- appointed Board has chosen this path. This is a matter before the courts. The Board’s desire to attempt to circumvent the legal process is telling in that they know they can’t win where facts matter and are doing all they can to prevent the truth from being shared.”
The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents acknowledged it made a mistake by awarding former President Joseph Shepard a $1.9 million severance package.
Shepard resigned from his position after facing criticism over alleged misuse of university funds. Those accusations included lavish spending on furniture, a family wedding, and international trips.
An agreement on terms were reached in December 2024, which ended Shepard’s tenure on Jan. 15, 2025. The WNMU Board of Regents said the agreement was invalid due to not complying with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act on Thursday, July 31.
Two WNMU Board of Regents members resigned ahead of his planned severance payout set to happen before mid-January. Those decisions came after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called for an immediate resignation of the entire board following its support of the severance package.
However, in response to the planned payout, Attorney General Raul Torrez filed an emergency restraining order in January 2025. Shepard initially refused to turn over the severance payout after the lawsuit was filed.
The New Mexico Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit against Shepard, accusing him of violating the Governmental Conduct Act in June. Shepard was also accused of misusing funds intended for a ramp and walkway compliant with the American Disabilities Act.
Video below: Former WNMU president speaks on alleged misuse of ‘American Disabilities Act’ funds for daughter’s wedding
Shepard provided a statement on the board’s decision on Thursday.
“Today’s vote by WNMU’s Board of Regents to rescind my legitimate separation and faculty agreement with the University is the continuation of the highly orchestrated political smear campaign to damage and destroy my reputation, career, and livelihood,” Shepard said. “After serving 14 exemplary years of advancing the University, it’s troubling that this new, Governor- appointed Board has chosen this path. This is a matter before the courts. The Board’s desire to attempt to circumvent the legal process is telling in that they know they can’t win where facts matter and are doing all they can to prevent the truth from being shared.”