The Board of Trustees for Adams State University announced it has named Dr. Beverlee J. McClure the university’s next president, according to Board Chair Arnold Salazar. The board approved her selection by unanimous vote at a special meeting April 9. As Adams State’s tenth president, she will be the first woman to lead the university, with her appointment beginning July 1, 2015. She succeeds Dr. David Svaldi, who retires June 30 after a decade in the post.
"Dr. McClure possesses a unique combination of professional experience that will be valuable in leading Adams State University to even greater success," Salazar said. "She has demonstrated leadership in higher education, government service, and the private sector. These skills prepare her well to guide Adams State in addressing the many challenges facing higher education today. Dr. McClure’s background, combined with her commitment to improving lives through higher education, makes her the ideal choice for next President of Adams State University."
Currently residing in Albuquerque, New Mex., McClure is the president and CEO of the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry (ACI). ACI serves as the statewide chamber of commerce and as a policy think tank for business-related issues. McClure works to facilitate positive change in the laws and regulations that govern business and industry.
"I am honored to have been selected as the next president of Adams State University. Adams State is a highly impressive institution, with world-class faculty and a unique community that I am excited to join," McClure said. "I look forward to working closely with board members, faculty, staff, and Alamosa residents to keep Adams State on its strong trajectory and serve all our stakeholders to the best of our ability. Most importantly, I look forward to working with our students, and making sure that this great institution is taking every opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders and innovators."
Previously, McClure served as New Mexico’s first cabinet secretary of higher education, a position she held for almost two years. She came to New Mexico as the president of Clovis Community College, having previously served as provost of the St. Augustine Campus, St. Johns River Community College in St. Augustine, Fla.
McClure is active in several organizations dedicated to improving life quality in New Mexico. She serves as board chair for YES Housing, chair of the New Mexico Early Childhood Development Partnership Advisory Council, and treasurer of the New Mexico Community Capital Board. She also serves on the Rio Grande Water Fund Advisory Board and the Unidos Council. She is a member of the New Mexico Women’s Forum and the New Mexico Amigos.
She holds a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as an M.B.A. from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A & M, Commerce.
Adams State’s presidential appointment comes after a year-long search process.
"Everyone involved provided input in good faith, in what I think
was one of the most open and inclusive processes I’ve ever seen," Salazar
said.
The Board of Trustees appointed a Presidential Search Committee that included representatives from across the university community: trustees, faculty, administration, exempt and classified staff, students, Adams State University Alumni Association, Adams State University Foundation, and business and civic leaders from the San Luis Valley. The Board also retained the assistance of Pyramind, LLC, a Virginia-based search consulting firm with connections to the San Luis Valley.
Located in the small, southern Colorado city of Alamosa, Adams State University was founded in 1921 specifically to educate teachers for rural communities. It has evolved into a comprehensive university that offers a range of undergraduate disciplines, as well as selected master’s and doctoral-level programs. Throughout its history, Adams State has been crucial to enhancing the area’s educational opportunity, economic development, and cultural enrichment. It continues a historic commitment to under-served populations, including underrepresented minorities, first-generation, and low-income students. Adams State was the first four-year institution in Colorado to be federally designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.
The Adams State campus has been transformed, with $104 million worth of improvements completed since 2008. The university offers students an intimate campus with tree-lined walkways, state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, supportive programs, and vibrant student life.
