Dr. Mahyar Amouzegar started as New Mexico Tech’s president on April 15, almost a year after Stephen G. Wells stepped down due to health issues. Former president Daniel Lopez served as interim president during that time, making Amouzegar the 18th president in NMT history.
“Reflecting on my first week as the new president of New Mexico Tech, I’ve found it both exhilarating and enlightening,” Amouzegar said.
He has received a warm welcome and described the campus as, “not only compact and welcoming but also strikingly beautiful … true to the cliché, it certainly punches above its weight, offering a powerhouse of academic rigor and innovation that belies its small scale.”
Board Regent Jerry Armijo said he’s been visiting Amouzegar regularly since his first day and is excited to have him and his wife, Maria, in Socorro.
“I still feel he’s the right person for the job.” Armijo said “He is very thoughtful in everything that he’s doing. He is not out to institute change just for the sake of change; he sits back and sees what is working and what areas may need improvement. It’s just a matter of learning more about the issues facing the campus and taking a thoughtful approach to solving those issues.”
Amouzegar recognizes that there are challenges in his new role, but said he is committed to building relationships, understanding the campus culture, and listening to the aspirations and challenges before setting any goals.
“Overall, my first week at NMT has been a profound introduction to the strengths and complexities of leading such a dynamic institution,” Amouzegar said “As a quantitative policy analyst by training, my standard approach is to collect substantial data, enabling me to make informed decisions that support the campus’s mission and elevate it from excellent to extraordinary.”
In his first week, there have also been some memorable moments that have given Amouzegar a chance to get to know the community.
“The other day, I drove a six-seater golf cart from campus to my home, just a mile away. During this short five-minute journey, several students shouted ‘cool ride’ as they passed by. A faculty member offered to ‘help’ looking at me with a full suit and tie in a golf cart and someone on the street asked if I could drop them off at Walmart. It was a fun, albeit brief, adventure that showed me the friendly and engaging spirit of our community,”Amouzegar said.
He wants to ensure that New Mexico Tech remains a vital part of Socorro’s growth and success and is committed to fostering partnerships that benefit both the university and the local area.
“As the new president of New Mexico Tech, I want the community to know that our institution is deeply committed to supporting not only our campus but also the city of Socorro. My leadership team and I are here to serve — to contribute positively to our shared environment and to foster strong partnerships that benefit both the university and the local area.” Amouzegar said.
Dr. Amouzegar comes to NMT from The University of New Orleans, a public research university in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he has served as the Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs since 2017.
He also served as the Dean of Engineering for California Polytechnic University, Pomona’s College of Engineering from 2011-2017 and as a Senior National Security Policy Analyst for the RAND corporation since 1998.
