Regent Christopher Dulany, whose term on the board is concluding, was honored with a New Mexico State University Regent's Proclamation at the Dec. 14 board meeting. At the presentation are, from left, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Jay Jordan, Interim President Manuel Pacheco, Regent Javier Gonzales, Dulany, Regent Mike Cheney, Regent Kari Mitchell and Regent Isaac Pino. (NMSU Photo by Darren Phillips)

At a regular meeting Friday, Dec. 14, the New Mexico State University Board of Regents approved the university's audited financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012.

Angela Throneberry, senior vice president for administration and finance, presented the audited annual financial statements, which include the report of the independent audit firm of Moss Adams LLP reflecting a clean or "unqualified" opinion.

The Regents also approved a revised capital outlay plan and a new graduate degree in kinesiology. The capital outlay plan revision reflected modifications for the Las Cruces campus, specifically minor adjustments and additions to the infrastructure priorities. Additionally, the 2013 request will now include network and wireless expansion projects for each of the NMSU campuses.

With approval from the Board of Regents, the proposed Ph.D. in kinesiology will now go to the state for approval. The proposed program addresses critical public health issues and provides an opportunity to engage minority and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in biomedical research and allied health sciences.

Regent's Chair Mike Cheney also gave a brief update on the presidential search indicating that the board plans to name a search committee by the first of the year.

In other business, the Regents heard annual updates on research from Vimal Chaitanya, vice president for research, and auxiliary services from Throneberry and Tammy Anthony, assistant vice president for auxiliary services.

Chaitanya highlighted achievements of NMSU's funded research as well as upcoming opportunities for research. He also outlined important tasks that he indicated would help improve the NMSU research enterprise, including a universitywide approach to promoting research initiatives; giving incentives for researchers to work on large multi-investigator, multi-disciplinary, multi-institution proposals; balancing the research portfolio by targeting agencies that have historically underfunded NMSU and by pursuing private funding; promoting the involvement of research from disciplines that have traditionally produced limited external funding; and increased promotion and support for researchers to create intellectual property and spin-offs.

Anthony highlighted operational trends and some of the significant activities that have occurred in the last year in the auxiliary services area including the opening of a renovated Taos Dining Center and the expected opening of a Panda Express in the Barnes & Noble Bookstore building in February and the Mix Pacific Rim in Frenger Food Court in January.

The board honored alumna and former regent Laura Conniff with its Regent's Medal, an honor established 40 years ago to recognize persons who have made outstanding contributions to the university, to the State of New Mexico, or to the United States. Only eight other individuals have been recognized with the Regent's Medal.

In presenting the medal, Cheney said, "her service to New Mexico State University and the citizens of our state has been distinguished by remarkable vision and a constant commitment to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all that she undertakes."

The board also recognized Regent Christopher Dulany, whose term as the student regent is concluding. Dulany was commended for working closely with the student government, serving as an advocate of students while keeping the long-term interest of the university in focus. He will graduate from NMSU Dec. 15 with a master's in business administration.

Finally, the board presented the Above & Beyond Award to Terry Cook, assistant vice president for student engagement. The Above & Beyond Award recognizes full-time employees who go the extra distance in service to any and all aspects of the NMSU system. Individuals are recognized for performance that goes "above and beyond" their regular responsibilities and for demonstrating a positive attitude that inspires others.

In her role as assistant vice president for student engagement, Cook and her staff assist students in their transition from high school to college and provide them with the support they need to be successful in their academic and career goals. Her areas of responsibility include the Aggie Welcome and Orientation program, Student Success Centers, Athletic Academic Support Program and Career Services Center.

In the nomination, Vice President Bernadette Montoya said, "Terry is known for her energy, dedication, and integrity in helping our students succeed. She is known as a colleague who will share, collaborate and contribute to any project that shows promise of serving students. Terry leads by example: She accepts only her best effort and inspires others to do the same."