Judge denies motion to halt $1.9M payout to former WNMU president 

SILVER CITY, N.M. – In a ruling late Monday, a judge shot down a motion to put a temporary hold on a nearly $2 million payment to former Western New Mexico University President Dr. Joseph Shepard. 

The motion was filed last week by the New Mexico Department of Justice along with a lawsuit against the university’s board of regents and its former president.

“We have filed a complaint alleging numerous violations, including violations of and breach of the fiduciary duties held by the Regents at Western New Mexico, violation of the Open Meetings Act, violation of the New Mexico Constitution,” said New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez. 

This all comes after the state auditor’s office released a report revealing questionable spending of $360,000 in university money under former WNMU president Dr. Joseph Shepard over a five-year period.

Just before Christmas, Shepard agreed to resign. The university’s board of regents approved a separation agreement that included a $1.9 million buyout and high paying teaching position at the university. 

“And it is absolutely disgraceful that the people who have been entrusted with making sure that they get the education they need to build a better future have instead used that opportunity to enrich themselves, to go on lavish taxpayer funded trips. And then when they are held to account, to hand out a golden parachute to one of their pals, that will not stand,” said Torrez. 

The nearly $2 million payout was issued to Shepard on Jan. 2. 

The AG wanted a judge to prevent Shepard from spending that money, saying if Shepard was able to spend the money it could cause irreparable harm, because they wouldn’t be able to get it back.

Shepard’s lawyer argues the money could be recovered by a legal ruling. 

Both sides were told to continue discussion and request an evidentiary hearing. 

In a statement, Torrez wrote: “We will not stop fighting to rectify this unjust payment to Dr. Shepard and will continue to work toward ensuring there is accountability over New Mexico taxpayer dollars through legislation.”