ENMU regents appoint president for Ruidoso branch

PORTALES — After a national search for a new president at the Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso campus was conducted, it was determined the best candidate was just down the hallway.

The ENMU regents on Friday appointed Ryan Trosper as the fifth president in the branch’s history. He replaces Ryan Carstens, who leaves after more than three years to pursue other opportunities.

The special meeting was held telephonically, with Student Regent Joseph Gergel attending in person on the ENMU Portales campus. Following a search that produced 51 candidates and five finalists who did on-campus interviews, the Ruidoso board unanimously voted to elevate Prosper, who has served as the college’s vice president of student learning and success since arriving last fall. He previously spent four years as associate vice president of instruction at Otero Junior College.

Interim Chancellor Patrice Caldwell, who served on the search committee, said she concurred with the Ruidoso board’s recommendation.

Regent Dan Patterson thanked the committee, particularly chair Marla Romero, for its work.

“I know it’s a long, arduous procedure,” Patterson said, “and I wanted to thank you for your time and efforts.”

Trosper did not attend the meeting, but Caldwell said she had a call scheduled with him later that afternoon and she planned to share the positive words regents had for him.

The regents also approved a resolution honoring Carstens for his time with the university system. Carstens started at ENMU-Ruidoso in January 2017, after he was hired to take over for the retiring Clayton Alred.

Carstens was floored by the resolution, and assumed he was just attending to wish Trosper well.

“I’m glad I’m not on video,” Carstens said. “I’m a little teary here. It was a great blessing to be a part of the college and the community. I appreciate the support our college receives from the chancellor and the regents.”

Regent Lance Pyle thanked Carstens for always being helpful and making his first year as a regent easier, and said his departure was a “tremendous loss” not only for ENMU, but Ruidoso and Lincoln County as a whole.

Both votes were 4-0, with Regent Ed Tatum calling in after voting had taken place.

The regents also had one other goodbye — sort of — for Gergel, who is leaving New Mexico to attend law school at Notre Dame.

“I think he’s a great example of the quality of student that comes out of Eastern New Mexico University,” Regent President Terry Othick said. “He’s going to go to one of the best law schools in the country, and he’s going to be at the top of the class.”

Gergel’s term doesn’t expire until December, but he may have to participate in meetings by telephone over the next few months. Tatum requested a photo of Gergel with the school’s “Touchdown Jesus,” to which Gergel said, “I’ll see what I can do.”

The regents will have a work session 1 p.m. Friday at the Zia Room of the Cooperative Educational Services building in Albuquerque. Their next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25.