[Editor's Note: As context, please see the document sent by the state auditor at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/community/community-news/western-new-mexico-university-faces-financial-oversight-challenges ]
As Chair of the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents, I appreciate the time and insights from the Office of the State Auditor. These are serious concerns which have been addressed by Western New Mexico University leadership. This includes a comprehensive review of cost disparities; updating of University policies to align with applicable state guidelines and regulations; revised travel and procurement procedures as well as staff training to ensure compliance; and initiating an independent cost-benefit analysis of international initiatives. The University has also engaged an independent auditor to conduct a Special Audit of the concerns raised, this is ongoing.
We also appreciate that the Office of the State Auditor also acknowledged the hard work of the University, writing “The OSA is encouraged that since these concerns were first publicly revealed, WNMU’s governing body and management have taken proactive steps to strengthen the University’s internal control structure as well as engage in an external forensic special audit to further review these and related issues.”
This insight from the State Auditor and others, in conjunction with the leadership of our Board of Regents reinforces Western New Mexico University’s path forward of focusing on student and community success.
Mary Hotvedt, Ph.D.
Chair, WNMU Board of Regents
