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UNM-Gallup campus interviews third CEO candidate of five

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The University of New Mexico continues its search for a Chief Executive Officer to head the Gallup campus.

On Oct. 17, candidate Richard Fleming, Ed.D., who serves as the vice president/dean at College of Southern Maryland in Prince Frederick near the Chesapeake Bay, asked search committee members to consider his near 30 year academic experience.

Born in Memphis, TN, Dr. Fleming holds an MBA and an MS in Industrial Administration, and a BS in Zoology.  He is a 2009 recipient of the Phi Theta Internationals Administrator Award of Distinction.

“Feel free to call me Rich,” said Fleming, who spoke on his academic life and teaching.

After obtaining his doctorate at University of Northern Colorado, he moved to Hobbs, NM where he served as vice president for instruction at a New Mexico Junior college.

“I spent four years there. I had a great boss. He helped me develop and grow,” he said.

He also served as president at the Northern Pioneer College, admittedly, “It just wasn’t the right job for me. I made mistakes. They made mistakes.”

Fleming is now in his ninth year at Southern Maryland, where he manages the campus as well as the community service and outreach.

“As I learned more and more about community colleges, I realized more of an impact we have on people’s lives,” he said.  “We are the first choice for some people, the only choice for other people.”

Staffing and budgeting, he said, are among his list of strengths.

“Most important thing I learned is how to listen and learn,” he said. “I spend a lot of time learning.”

Fleming held extensive discussions with the challenges at UNM-G branch with interim CEO Dr. Jerry Dominguez.

“I looked around at what you’re doing,” he said. “I have done partnering with high school. I have duel enrollment. We need to do some research.”

Fleming would like to work with area high schools in offering juniors and seniors dual high school-college credits to students as they enter college with college credits earned.

Fleming, who spent four years in the U.S. Airforce, expressed his priority for both LGBTQ and Veteran students.

“I have a desire to support Veterans,” he said. “I was never in combat.”

Jamy Malone, student senate member and a business administration major, asked Fleming about his plans to ensure student success admit budget crisis.

“I can’t give you any assurances,” he replied.  “New Mexico really made to the news when the governor refused to sign the budget. It made the papers back east. Enrollments are going down.”

Responding to a question on the Native American student population by Brittany Begay, a student senate member who is an automotive major, Fleming shared his experience in the southwest.

“When I left New Mexico and went to Arizona, Navajo county has three centers, White Mountain Apache, Kayenta, and Hopi,” Fleming said. “We had centers there to provide educational opportunities” where he spent time learning of customs, and made academic allowances for students engaged in ceremonies during Semesters.

By Deswood Tome

Sun Correspondent