SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University has named retired Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance Andrew J. Burke as the interim chancellor of the NMSU system’s community colleges in Doña Ana County, Alamogordo, and Grants. The announcement was made by Interim NMSU President Mónica F. Torres in a memo to the campus on Thursday, May 2.

In her message, Torres highlighted Burke's deep roots in the Las Cruces community and his extensive academic background, stating, “Dr. Burke is not new to Las Cruces or the NMSU system. He was raised in Las Cruces and graduated from Las Cruces High School. He attended New Mexico State University, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with honors while majoring in Finance & Managerial Accounting, a Master of Accountancy degree, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration.”

Burke, who has had a distinguished 30-year career within the NMSU system, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is my pleasure to step in as interim chancellor for NMSU’s community colleges at this time. I look forward to supporting faculty and staff as they serve our students at DACC, Alamogordo, and Grants. These colleges have an important mission within their communities to provide workforce training and access for students to New Mexico’s higher education resources.”

Throughout his career, Burke has held various leadership positions within the NMSU system, including as DACC’s chief financial officer and NMSU’s Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance. He has also been actively involved in institutional committees and community organizations, showcasing his commitment to higher education and community development.

Burke is set to commence his interim term on May 16, with Torres overseeing the transition period until then. Meanwhile, Torres will continue to serve as the NMSU system’s interim president while a national search is conducted to find the university’s next permanent leader.

For more information on the presidential search at NMSU, individuals are encouraged to visit nmsu.edu/president-search.