New Mexico Highlands Board Says Ex-President Rigged Hiring

The New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents has accused former university president Hector Balderas of rigging the hiring process for the university’s general counsel position. The board released a statement on June 18, 2026, detailing allegations that Balderas manipulated the search committee’s recommendation to favor a specific candidate. This action, according to the regents, undermined the integrity of the university’s hiring procedures and potentially led to the selection of a less qualified individual. The board stated that Balderas’s interference occurred during the final stages of the selection process, which was intended to be objective and merit-based. The regents have initiated an internal review to assess the full impact of these alleged actions and to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The university has not yet named a new general counsel following the controversy. The board emphasized its commitment to transparency and fair hiring practices in all university operations. Balderas, who served as president from 2022 until his resignation in early 2026, has not yet publicly responded to the allegations made by the Board of Regents. The university is currently operating under an interim president while a permanent replacement is sought.