SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) — Western New Mexico University's president, who has faced scrutiny over his spending on overseas trips and his wife's use of a university credit card, resigned Friday as part of a deal that guarantees him a new job and $1.9 million. Joseph Shepard's resignation comes after an investigation by the New Mexico state auditor’s office found top university officials and regents had failed to uphold their fiduciary responsibilities. The audit made public last month cited more than $363,000 in spending that didn’t comply with university rules.

The Aggies did a lot of traveling last week, and even took to Miami Beach for some team bonding. But this week, NMSU is glad to be back home.

As lawmakers prepare for the 2025 legislative session, a new bill aims to hold universities accountable and impose stricter penalties following hazing allegations at New Mexico State University.