NEWS

UNM extends its search for new president until at least fall

The Associated Press

This undated photo shows the University of New Mexico’s official seal, depicting a Spanish conquistador and a frontiersman, that is drawing accusations of racism from Native American students. The Albuquerque Journal reports Native American students in the Kiva Club as well as members of advocacy group The Red Nation call the seal offensive. The seal is stamped on all diplomas and is present at most school events.

ALBUQUERQUE — The University of New Mexico is pushing back its search for a new president until at least this fall.

The selection of UNM's 22nd president originally was expected to happen by this spring.

But according to a statement issued Tuesday by the president of UNM's Board of Regents, the committee charged with evaluating candidates and picking semifinalists wants to slow down the process and extend it into the 2017-18 academic year.

The search committee wants more time to review and evaluate candidates.

Chaouki Abdallah serves as the school's acting president.

Former UNM President Bob Frank announced last September that he would not seek another term when his five-year contract expired and stepped down in December.