SILVER CITY, N.M. —

On Thursday, July 30, 2025, the newly-appointed Western New Mexico University Board of Regents voted unanimously to rescind former President Dr. Joseph Shepard's $1.9 million severance. Regent Vice Chair John Wertheim introduced two motions related to the separation agreement and faculty appointment of Shepard.

Update | Oct. 2025 | Mediation

Video below: Judge orders mediation among parties involved

MORE: WNMU President severance rescinded after board meeting

According to WNMU, Wertheim noted that the board’s December 20, 2024, meeting failed to comply with legal notice requirements of the New Mexico Open Meetings Act (OMA), rendering the approval of those actions potentially "invalid." The regents also voted to void Shepard's five-year teaching contract at

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