Chancellor talks growth in state of the university speech

The newly hired president of Eastern New Mexico University and chancellor of the ENMU System, James Johnston, spoke of how the university is growing and how he plans to continue that growth in his new position at a state of the university luncheon in Portales on May 23.

Johnston started in his new position in January as the 12th president and third chancellor. At that time of year, he was thrown right into the middle of the legislative session. "I would get up very early and drive to Santa Fe and do what we need to do. Then I'd drive home so I can be in the office the next day," Johnston said in his speech.

Johnston said that with the help of the community and the support he received, $17 million came back to ENMU and Portales from the legislative session. "Large chunks of that were compensation and a couple of big projects. But we also added to our operational funds and some of the other things that we needed," he said.

Johnston gave updates on other increases and provided stats and numbers to those in attendance at the luncheon.

Johnston also spoke of ways to bring in revenue to the university, and one way he plans to do that is to bring in a vice president for university advancement and public administration.

"It's another way to bring resources to your university and to your community," Johnston said. He expects this position will help "build that fundraising arm for the university."

Johnston said summer enrollment is up 8.2% from last year. "This is very early to be counting fall numbers," Johnston said. "But our fall enrollment is trending on any given Monday, three to 4% higher than last year."

Johnston said he is always looking to increase housing and bring more students to the area. "My specialty has always been about growth and innovation," he said.

"We have the capacity for just over 1,000 students right now. What does it look like if we have 2,000 students living on campus or 2,500 students living on campus?" he asked.

More students in Portales means more business and a better economy, according to Johnston. "I work with the community to make sure we grow together, and that they're prepared for that," he said.

Johnston said he will work to keep numbers "affordable and reasonable."

"It's not an easy answer of 'What are you going to do to grow Eastern?' it's having that vision and direction and the leadership to coordinate all those things. And we have some great people in place at Eastern and system wide that will move that forward," Johnston said.