Eastern New Mexico University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Eastern New Mexico University has 10 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, business affairs, communications, institutional ambassadorship, and academic leadership.

Committed to fostering student success through affordable academic programs, Eastern New Mexico University promotes hands-on learning and civic engagement to empower a diverse student body across STEM and liberal arts disciplines.

Leadership Roles at Eastern New Mexico University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Scott Smart
  • Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, System - Anthony Major
  • President's Ambassador - Patrick Dolce
  • President & Ambassador - Jarret Lovelace
  • President - Shawn Powell
  • President & Ambassador - Rhett Sain
  • President of the Spanish Club - Enrique Monagas
  • President Emerius - Stephen Gamble
  • President Emeritus, Professor of Anthro, Emeritus - Everett Frost
  • Chief Communications Officer - Shaun Banther
  • Scott Smart - Chief Financial Officer

    Scott Smart, the Chief Financial Officer at Eastern New Mexico University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the institution. Overseeing long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources align with the university mission of providing affordable education to a diverse student population. This role involves rigorous analysis of operational expenditures and revenue streams to maintain institutional stability. By optimizing financial processes, Scott Smart directly supports the expansion of academic programs and student support services. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with administrative leadership to secure funding for STEM initiatives and campus infrastructure improvements. Through disciplined fiscal management, Smart maintains the economic viability required to sustain high-quality educational outcomes for all students, including military and international cohorts, while ensuring compliance with state and federal financial regulations across the entire university system.

    Anthony Major - Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, System

    Anthony Major, the Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, System at Eastern New Mexico University, directs the administrative and financial operations across the entire university system. Managing complex business affairs, the Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, System ensures that institutional policies support the overarching goal of student success. This leadership position involves coordinating large-scale procurement, facility management, and system-wide financial reporting to enhance operational efficiency. By streamlining business functions, Anthony Major facilitates the delivery of affordable tuition models and robust academic resources. The Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, System works closely with the board to align capital investments with the strategic vision of the university. Through meticulous oversight of system-wide assets, Major drives the financial sustainability necessary to support diverse student needs, including those in graduate and transfer programs, while maintaining a focus on long-term institutional growth.

    Patrick Dolce - President's Ambassador

    Patrick Dolce, the President's Ambassador at Eastern New Mexico University, represents the institution in high-level civic and community engagements. Serving as a primary liaison, the President's Ambassador fosters relationships with external partners, donors, and regional stakeholders to advance the university mission. This role involves promoting the value of the university academic programs and hands-on learning opportunities to diverse audiences. By facilitating connections between the campus and the broader community, Patrick Dolce supports the university commitment to civic education and cultural enrichment. The President's Ambassador works alongside executive leadership to cultivate support for institutional initiatives and student-focused projects. Through active representation, Dolce enhances the reputation of the university as a hub for academic growth and community development. This leadership function ensures that the university remains a central pillar of the region, effectively communicating the benefits of the institution to prospective students and community members alike.
    Patrick Dolce

    Jarret Lovelace - President & Ambassador

    Jarret Lovelace, the President & Ambassador at Eastern New Mexico University, provides executive leadership while serving as a key representative for the institution. Overseeing the strategic direction of the university, the President & Ambassador ensures that academic programs remain accessible and relevant to a diverse student body. This role involves balancing administrative duties with external advocacy to promote the university as a leader in STEM education and student support. By engaging with regional and national partners, Jarret Lovelace drives initiatives that enhance the educational experience and campus environment. The President & Ambassador collaborates with faculty and staff to maintain high standards of academic excellence and civic engagement. Through visionary leadership, Lovelace secures the resources and partnerships necessary to support the university mission. This dual-focused role ensures that the institution continues to thrive as a supportive community for first-year, graduate, and international students.
    Jarret Lovelace

    Shawn Powell - President

    Shawn Powell, the President at Eastern New Mexico University, directs the overall academic and operational strategy of the institution. Leading the university, the President ensures that all departments align with the core mission of fostering student success through affordable and high-quality education. This role involves setting institutional priorities, managing faculty relations, and overseeing the implementation of academic programs across more than 60 majors. By championing hands-on experience and STEM innovation, Shawn Powell drives the university toward greater academic impact and student achievement. The President works closely with the board and executive team to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education. Through decisive leadership, Powell maintains a friendly and supportive campus environment that caters to the needs of diverse student populations. This executive function is essential for sustaining the long-term growth and reputation of the university as a premier educational destination.

    Rhett Sain - President & Ambassador

    Rhett Sain, the President & Ambassador at Eastern New Mexico University, manages executive operations while acting as a public face for the institution. Overseeing institutional outreach, the President & Ambassador builds bridges between the university and the wider community to support student recruitment and retention. This role involves advocating for the university academic programs and emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning in STEM fields. By representing the university at civic events and professional gatherings, Rhett Sain strengthens the institutional brand and fosters valuable partnerships. The President & Ambassador collaborates with other leaders to ensure that the university remains a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. Through active engagement, Sain promotes the value of the university education to prospective students and regional stakeholders. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the university status as a cornerstone of educational and cultural development.

    Enrique Monagas - President of the Spanish Club

    Enrique Monagas, the President of the Spanish Club at Eastern New Mexico University, leads student-driven initiatives focused on cultural education and language proficiency. Overseeing club activities, the President of the Spanish Club ensures that students have access to events that celebrate Hispanic culture and promote civic engagement. This role involves organizing workshops, cultural exchanges, and academic support sessions that complement the university mission of fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. By facilitating these activities, Enrique Monagas enhances the educational experience for students interested in language and cultural studies. The President of the Spanish Club works with faculty advisors to align club goals with the broader academic objectives of the university. Through dedicated leadership, Monagas creates opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in cultural leadership, contributing to the vibrant and supportive community that defines the university experience for all participants.

    Stephen Gamble - President Emerius

    Stephen Gamble, the President Emerius at Eastern New Mexico University, provides historical perspective and advisory support to the current leadership team. Serving as a mentor, the President Emerius offers guidance on long-term institutional strategy and the preservation of the university mission. This role involves participating in key academic ceremonies and supporting initiatives that uphold the values of the institution. By leveraging years of experience, Stephen Gamble assists in maintaining the continuity of the university commitment to student success and affordable education. The President Emerius works with the administration to ensure that the legacy of the university remains a guiding force in current decision-making processes. Through this advisory capacity, Gamble contributes to the stability and ongoing development of the university. This leadership function is essential for honoring the history of the institution while supporting the evolution of academic programs and campus culture.
    Stephen Gamble

    Everett Frost - President Emeritus, Professor of Anthro, Emeritus

    Everett Frost, the President Emeritus, Professor of Anthro, Emeritus at Eastern New Mexico University, contributes to the academic and institutional legacy of the university. Serving as a senior advisor, the President Emeritus, Professor of Anthro, Emeritus provides expertise on anthropological studies and institutional history to support current academic programs. This role involves engaging with the faculty and student body to promote the value of research and hands-on learning in the social sciences. By sharing deep knowledge of the university development, Everett Frost helps guide the institution toward future growth while respecting its foundational principles. The President Emeritus, Professor of Anthro, Emeritus works with the administration to ensure that the university remains a supportive environment for academic inquiry. Through this dual role, Frost maintains a strong connection between the past and the future of the university, ensuring that the commitment to student success remains a central focus.

    Shaun Banther - Chief Communications Officer

    Shaun Banther, the Chief Communications Officer at Eastern New Mexico University, architects the public relations and institutional messaging strategies for the university. Overseeing internal and external communications, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the brand identity reflects the supportive community and academic excellence inherent in the institution. This role involves managing media relations, digital outreach, and community engagement initiatives to promote the university to prospective students, including first-year and military applicants. By crafting compelling narratives about STEM achievements and cultural events, Shaun Banther enhances the visibility of the university in the broader educational market. The Chief Communications Officer collaborates with academic departments to highlight student success stories and faculty research. Through strategic communication planning, Banther strengthens the connection between the university and its stakeholders, ensuring that the mission of accessible, high-quality education remains at the forefront of public perception.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Eastern New Mexico University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Eastern New Mexico University?
    Eastern New Mexico University is led by Scott Smart (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Anthony Major (Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, System) and Patrick Dolce (President's Ambassador).
    Who is part of Eastern New Mexico University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Eastern New Mexico University includes leaders such as Scott Smart (Chief Financial Officer), Anthony Major (Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, System), Patrick Dolce (President's Ambassador) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Eastern New Mexico University have?
    Eastern New Mexico University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Eastern New Mexico University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Eastern New Mexico University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, System, President's Ambassador, President & Ambassador, President.