SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced 11 regent nominations for eight higher education institutes across the state. These board appointments fall under Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico Highlands University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, New Mexico Military Institute, New Mexico School for the Deaf, New Mexico State University, Northern New Mexico College, and the University of New Mexico.

The nominees, a cohort of insightful individuals with diverse experiences in the education field, will contribute knowledge and perspective vital to the cultivation and growth of higher education in our state.

Following recent resignations, an announcement regarding nominations for the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents will be released in the near future.

Gov. Lujan Grisham announced the following appointee nominations:

Eastern New Mexico University

• The reappointment of Lance A. Pyle, he currently serves as Curry County manager. He has an associate’s degree in business administration from Clovis Community College and a bachelor’s degree of business administration from Eastern New Mexico University. He served on the village of Melrose city council and was mayor of Melrose from 2006 to 2010.

New Mexico Highlands University

• Gary Tripp has an extensive background in education and administration, including roles such as director of development for New Mexico at Physical Science Research Associates, Ltd., and a consultant for Cooperative Educational Services. He has also served as human resource director and chief strategy planning and engagement officer for Rio Rancho Public Schools, superintendent and principal at the Bureau of Indian Education, and executive director of the New Mexico Activities Association.

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

• The reappointment of Dr. Yolanda King holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of New Mexico and currently serves as a senior technical and programmatic advisor for Engility Corporation. She has extensive experience, including roles as technical director at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and director of Engineering & Technical Management at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. Dr. King is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and has received numerous awards for her contributions to science and technology.

New Mexico Military Institute

• Thomas E. Jennings brings a wealth of experience to his candidacy for the Board of Regents of the New Mexico Military Institute. With a strong background in public service, including his tenure as mayor of Roswell and as a city council member, Jennings has demonstrated leadership in local governance and community development. His extensive involvement in various organizations, such as the Roswell Chaves County Economic Development Foundation, Roswell SERTOMA Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern New Mexico, highlights his commitment to community service. Jenning’s career also includes significant contributions to the oil and gas industry as a petroleum land manager, showcasing his versatility and dedication to both public and private sectors.
• Brigadier General Kallie D. Kuehl is a highly accomplished military leader with over 20 years of experience across military, federal, and corporate sectors. With a distinguished career as a senior military officer and legal expert, she has expertise in acquisition and contract law, government fiscal law, and complex civil litigation. Currently serving as senior center attorney at Kirtland Air Force Base, Kuehl provides strategic legal counsel and manages a team of legal professionals. Her extensive military service includes roles as chief of staff and state staff judge advocate for the New Mexico Air National Guard, where she oversees strategic vision and legal guidance for over 1,000 personnel.

New Mexico School for the Deaf

• Rosemary J. Gallegos has extensive experience in the field of education for the deaf and hard of hearing. She served as superintendent of the New Mexico School for the Deaf from July 2015 to June 2021 and previously held various roles including assistant superintendent and director of Early Childhood Programs at the same institution. Her career spans over three decades, including roles as a teacher, coordinator, and consultant, with a strong focus on early intervention and special education. She also holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of New Mexico and has contributed significantly to professional organizations and publications in her field.

New Mexico State University

• Ricardo F. Gonzales is a seasoned public policy and communications leader with over two decades of experience in legislative and regulatory strategy. Currently serving as the regional vice president for New Mexico at El Paso Electric, he leads government affairs and community engagement efforts across multiple states. Gonzales has a strong track record of negotiating impactful legislation, such as the Energy Transition Act, and developing economic development strategies for Southern New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. His previous roles include director of state legislative affairs at New Mexico State University and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, where he successfully secured significant funding for statewide improvements. Gonzales is also recognized for his expertise in public relations, corporate advocacy, and non-profit development.

Northern New Mexico College

• Ron J. Lovato has extensive experience in leadership and management within tribal and educational settings. As the chief executive officer of Tsay Corporation since 2021 and from 2013 to 2018, he has overseen the development of numerous business ventures, including casinos, construction services, and retail developments. Lovato previously served as governor of Ohkay Owingeh on two separate occasions (2011-2012 and 2019-2020), where he managed all aspects of tribal government and collaborated on key financial matters. His earlier roles include directing educational programs at Santa Fe Indian School, where he managed academic and operational aspects of the school, including significant development initiatives.
• The reappointment of Erica Rita Velarde is a seasoned energy engineer with a robust background in both engineering and project management. Currently serving as an energy engineer with the General Services Department’s Facilities Management Division, she has a proven track record in assessing and improving facility energy efficiency. Previously, she worked as a mechanical engineer and program manager with the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, where she managed DOE competitive grants and led energy efficiency projects. Her experience also includes roles at the New Mexico Department of Transportation, where she handled bridge construction projects and legislative coordination. Velarde holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Mexico and an associate’s degree in business administration from Northern New Mexico College.

University of New Mexico

• Christina R. Campos, MBA, FACHE, is a seasoned healthcare executive with extensive experience leading Guadalupe County Hospital in Santa Rosa, where she has served as administrator since 2004. Under her leadership, the hospital successfully transitioned to a new facility in 2011 and consistently achieved high standards in patient satisfaction and financial strength, earning multiple awards. In addition to her role in healthcare administration, Campos has been actively involved in various professional and civic activities, including serving on the Board of Trustees for the American Hospital Association and participating in numerous state and national health-related committees.
• Patricia G. Williams is an experienced civil litigator with over two decades of legal practice at Wiggins, Williams & Wiggins, P.C. in Albuquerque. Her expertise spans complex commercial litigation, including contract and construction law, business torts, and employment law. Williams is particularly knowledgeable in tribal law, regularly representing Navajo Nation entities and schools in legal matters. Her previous experience includes serving as an assistant city attorney for Albuquerque, where she handled civil litigation for the city. Williams holds a J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law and has been actively involved in various community organizations, including the Navajo Nation Bar Association and the New Mexico Biopark Society.