Twenty-five year veteran of higher education and workforce services Dr. Derek Moore, Ed.D., has been named President of New Mexico Junior College (NMJC). A native of Arkansas Dr. Moore will officially assume the school’s presidency when interim president Steve McCleery’s contract ends on July 1.

During his career in higher education, Dr. Moore has served as a faculty member and worked with career services, academic advising and workforce development. 

His focus has always been a holistic approach to student success through “…creating synergy among the college, community and employers in helping students reach their educational and career goals,” states the NMJC website.

Currently, Dr. Moore is Vice President of Student Services at South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Ark. Before assuming his role at South Arkansas, Dr. Moore served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success at Arkansas State University Mid-South in West Memphis, Ark. There he worked with student retention and engagement. 

What Attracted Dr. Moore to NMJC?

Dr. Moore told the NMJC Administrative Cabinet during his interview process that the “opportunities and challenges that are in the [NMJC] presidential profile” attracted him to applying for the position. “They were mostly in my will house, when it comes to student success, when it comes to making sure we’re looking at retention, we’re looking at engagement, we’re thinking about how we communicate with faculty and staff alike, so we can really focus on marketing, recruitment and enrollment management,” he stated.

Ideal Characteristics of the NMJC President

According to Dr. Moore, the NMJC president must be a good communicator and a skilled collaborator. The president must, also, be responsive to both the civic and educational communities.

Being a good listener is imperative. “I love to listen,” states Dr. Moore. Through listening he hopes to gain perspective and ideas from those inside and outside of the college community. Empowering all stakeholders to provide input is essential to the college’s growth and success.

Dr. Moore and his wife have two grown sons, two daughters-in-law and a three-year-old granddaughter.

Pat Chappelle, Chair of the NMJC Board of Directors, states in an announcement about Dr. Moore’s selection, “We welcome Dr. Moore’s leadership as we enter the next chapter of New Mexico Junior College’s history.”

The public is asked to address any questions about Dr. Moore’s appointment to Steve McCleery, Ed.D., NMJC Interim President, at smccleery@nmjc.edu.