Regents talk challenges of online recruiting, classes Written by Dean Thompson on December 11, 2020 The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents met for the final time in 2020 Thursday, a day before today’s virtual fall commencement ceremonies. More than 300 students were set to receive degrees, but only about 90 planned to virtually take part in the event. It was also the final official meeting for Regent Jerry Walz, who decided to step down this year after more than 12 years on the board. He has served as chairman of the board since the summer. Western is now down two regents with Walz stepping aside. A couple of months ago, Student Regent Tim Stillman resigned from the board. It now falls to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to fill the vacant seats.