Regents place New Mexico Highlands president on leave

New Mexico Highlands University President Neil Woolf has been removed from his post by the school's Board of Regents. Woolf was placed on paid administrative leave effective immediately after a special regents meeting on Friday. Faculty members had cited longstanding concerns, including issues with collective bargaining agreements and workplace safety. Woolf was appointed in 2024 after a national search and had made progress in improving the university's financial position and increasing enrollment. Kimberly Blea, the former vice president of student affairs, has been appointed interim president. The Board of Regents will reconvene on June 2 to consider further action.