The Eastern New Mexico University Board of Regents has appointed James N. Johnston, Ph.D., to serve as chancellor of the ENMU system. Johnston currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Midwestern State University.
“I am truly honored to join the ENMU family. From the beginning of the search process, I was impressed with the great work by the ENMU System to deliver quality education to the region and beyond, but I also saw great potential,” said Johnston. “I cannot wait to add my energy, creativity, and eye for innovation to the team and community to realize that potential.”
“I would like to thank the search committee for their diligence and hard work the past several months in vetting the candidates and the faculty, staff, students, alumnus, and the public for providing input to Regents to assist in the decision process.” said Lance Pyle, President of the ENMU Board of Regents, “Dr. James Johnston has served as Interim President at Midwestern State and has the experience, energy, and creativity to move ENMU forward and expand our programs and services to our students and future students.”
“Also, I want to congratulate Dr. Caldwell and wish her the best on her retirement and express our appreciation for her service and dedication to ENMU over the past 42 years,” said Pyle. “Dr. Caldwell put off her earlier planned retirement and stepped in to assist ENMU during the pandemic by providing calming leadership during a very difficult time, and we owe her a great deal of gratitude and appreciation.”
Johnston has been at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, since 2003, holding multiple leadership positions during his tenure with the University. Johnston was the Interim President at Midwestern State University from September 2021-May 2022. He has also served as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Robert D and Carol Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services, and the Director of Interdisciplinary Education at the Robert D and Carol Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services.
Johnston’s appointment as chancellor of the ENMU system marks a return to New Mexico and West Texas for him and his family. Johnston is originally from Slaton, Texas, and his wife Stephanie is originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico. Johnston and his wife are honored to return to the region they consider home and look forward to serving ENMU and advancing its mission of student success.
Johnston will begin as chancellor on January 3, 2023.
