New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez has appointed Farmington attorney Jack Fortner to his third term on the University of New Mexico Board of Regents. The Governor also announced the appointment of Lt. General Bradley C. Hosmer (USAF, ret.) of Cedar Crest to the board and named undergraduate Jacob Wellman as student regent.
"Jack Fortner has been a superb regent who has shown over the years how committed he is to the success of our students," said UNM President David J. Schmidly. "He brings a great perspective from the citizens of New Mexico on what this state needs from its flagship university."
Fortner, a former San Juan County commissioner, earned his BA in political science from UNM and his law degree from the University of Michigan. A UNM Regent since 1999, Fortner was the longtime chair of the Health Sciences Committee.
"Regent Fortner has been a dedicated leader and advocate for the University of New Mexico, all of our students and for the Health Sciences Center for many years," said Paul Roth, MD, Chancellor, Health Sciences Center. "I personally want to thank him for his service as Chair of the Regent's Health Sciences Committee and for his willingness to help us meet and advance our core missions. I am extremely pleased that Governor Martinez has reappointed Regent Fortner. This is another sign that Governor Martinez is committed to maintaining excellence in higher education in New Mexico."
Fortner has also served on the Academic/Student Affairs and Research committee of the Regents. "UNM faculty have worked constructively with Regent Fortner during his years on the board," said Faculty Senate President Richard Wood. "We believe he has served the university well and look forward to continuing our collegial relationship with him."
Lt. General Hosmer served as the 12th Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy from 1991 – 1994, the first academy graduate to return as superintendent. He was the top graduate of the Academy's first graduating class and a Rhodes Scholar with a master's degree in international relations from Oxford University. Since June 2009 he has been a member of East Mountain High School Governing Council. Lt Gen Hosmer commanded the 479th Tactical Training Wing at Holloman Air Force Base. He is a graduate of the USAF, the Naval Command and Staff College, and the National War College.
Jacob Wellman, an undergraduate pursuing his B.A. in Political Science, serves on the President's Strategic Advisory Team and as undergraduate representative to the Student Fee Review Board. He's a former ASUNM Attorney General and Chief of Staff and currently holds the position of leadership intern at Think New Mexico.
"Jake is a bright and talented student who represents the very best of who we are here at UNM," said President Schmidly. "His dedication to representing and advancing the interests of the UNM community has provided him with a strong working knowledge of our university and his demonstrated leadership and experiences will enable him to serve our community well."
The Governor's appointments must be confirmed by the New Mexico Senate