DUI charges dismissed against Mesalands president

Charges of driving under the influence against Mesalands Community College President Phillip O. Barry have been dismissed in Albuquerque's Metro Court.

Barry appeared in court on Friday, before Metro Court Judge Edward Benavidez, according to court records. The case was dismissed without prejudice for failure to provide discovery, court records show.

Barry had been charged with DUI on Oct. 16 in Albuquerque.

The college's Board of Trustees met in executive session on Oct. 20 in response to the allegations of Barry driving under the influence of liquor or drugs. The board suspended Barry five days without pay. Barry's use of a college vehicle was revoked and he was required to submit to mandatory substance abuse screening and counseling.

Barry, 58, has been Mesalands' president for 13 years, school officials said.