Reed Dasenbrock, Secretary

Department of Higher Education

Dr. Reed Dasenbrock is the Cabinet Secretary of Higher Education for the State of New Mexico. Secretary Dasenbrock was named in May 2007.

Governor Bill Richardson and the New Mexico Legislature elevated the agency to a Cabinet-level department in April 2005. The Department replaces the former New Mexico Commission on Higher Education.

“Our institutions of higher education are key partners for building a high-wage economy for New Mexico,” stated Governor Richardson. “Dr. Dasenbrock has the strong academic credentials and key administrative skills needed to guide our Higher Education Department. He’s worked in New Mexico higher education for the last 26 years and has a deep commitment to the state and its diverse cultures.”

Dr. Dasenbrock, who has served as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of New Mexico (UNM), said he will work with presidents and boards of regents from all of New Mexico’s universities and colleges to continue to implement a common agenda for higher education.

“For New Mexico to have the vibrant forward looking economy that it needs to have in the 21st century, every aspect of the state educational institutions needs to work together to promote student success, educational affordability, and high quality education and research programs,” stated Dr. Dasenbrock.