ENMU-Roswell provost to retire

Judy Armstrong, provost of Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, is retiring, according to a press release from ENMU.

A national search will be conducted for her replacement. The search committee will include campus and community members, as well as members of the Community College Board. Armstrong has agreed to stay in the position until her successor begins.

“Dr. Armstrong has done a remarkable job,” said ENMU President Steven Gamble. “She took over a campus that was already good and made it even better. She has kept ENMU-Roswell on the cutting edge of vocational and academic programs that serve the community, state and nation.”

Since Armstrong became provost, enrollment reached new highs, surpassing the 4,200 mark in the fall of 2005. More than 150 online courses are now offered each semester, according to the release.

“I considered it a privilege to serve the citizens of Chaves County as provost of ENMU-Roswell and I appreciate the outstanding team of faculty, staff, and administrators who worked with me at the Roswell campus to carry on the fine tradition of superior student learning, extraordinary customer service, and commitment to economic development,” said Armstrong. “I appreciate the support that Dr. Gamble has shown to our campus and to our community,” she said.

Alva Carter, president of the ENMU board of regents, said Armstrong is going to be very hard to replace.

“She had her finger on the pulse of the community, and always knew exactly what they needed from ENMU-Roswell,” Carter said. She is greatly respected in higher education. She was exactly the right person at the right time for ENMU-Roswell.”

A graduate of Roswell High School, Armstrong began her career as an educator in Kansas and later served as assistant director of the Roswell Public Library. During her 35-year tenure at ENMU-Roswell, she has worked as an English/Communication instructor, director of the developmental studies department, associate dean of planning and instructional support, and dean of instruction. She was named interim provost in 2001 and appointed Provost in February of 2002.