Garrey Carruthers

Garrey Edward Carruthers (born August 29, 1939) is an American politician and academic who served as the 27th governor of New Mexico and the Chancellor of New Mexico State University. He previously served as special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 1974 to 1975, director of the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute at NMSU, state chair of the Republican Party of New Mexico from 1977 to 1979, and United States Deputy Secretary of the Interior for Land and Resources from 1981 to 1984.[1]

Garrey Carruthers
Chancellor of New Mexico State University
In office May 6, 2013 – June 30, 2018
Preceded by	Manuel Pacheco (interim)
Succeeded by	John D. Floros (President) and Dan Arvizu (Chancellor)
27th Governor of New Mexico
In office January 1, 1987 – January 1, 1991
Lieutenant	Jack L. Stahl
Preceded by	Toney Anaya
Succeeded by	Bruce King
Personal details
Born	Garrey Edward Carruthers (1939-08-29) August 29, 1939 Alamosa, Colorado, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Alma mater	New Mexico State University (BS, MS) Iowa State University (PhD)
Profession	Professor

Early life and education

Carruthers was born in Alamosa, Colorado. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1964 and Master's degree in Agricultural Economics in 1965, both from New Mexico State University. He then earned a PhD in Economics in 1968 from Iowa State University.[2][3][4]

Career

A Republican, he was elected the 27th Governor of New Mexico in 1986. A major focal point of the race was reinstating the death penalty, resulting in outgoing Democratic Governor Toney Anaya commuting the sentences of all on death row in protest.[5] His term ended in 1991, and term limits at the time prevented New Mexico governors from seeking consecutive terms. Carruthers was succeeded by Democrat Bruce King, who had previously served two non-consecutive terms as governor.

After leaving office, he served as founding president and CEO of the Cimarron Health Plan, now Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, Inc., from 1993 to 2003.[1] In 2003, he was named dean of NMSU's College of Business. He helped establish NMSU's economic development operation, the Arrowhead Center, and served as the university's vice president for economic development. He also helped establish the Domenici Institute and serves as its director.[6] In May 2013, he was appointed president of New Mexico State University by the Board of Regents in a 3-2 vote.[7] In 2017, the Board of Regents announced that his contract would not be renewed, resulting in his retirement effective July 1, 2018. He was succeeded by John D. Floros, a food scientist and former Dean of the Kansas State University College of Agriculture[8][9]

Views on science

Questioned by faculty at an on-campus meeting on his candidacy to become NMSU chancellor in 2013, Carruthers said that there was not a scientific consensus on climate change, stating "I don't know. I'm an economist. I don't do global warming. It's a scientific judgment that I can't make."[10] Concerns were also raised about his role in the Advancement of Sound Science Center, a lobbying group that he chaired from 1993 to 1998.[11]

References

1. "New Mexico Governor Garrey E. Carruthers". National Governors Association. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
2. Linan, Ali (2018-05-20). "Still his 'happy place'". Santa Fe New Mexican. Las Cruces Sun-News. Retrieved 2018-11-21.
3. "Alumni Achievement". Iowa State University, Alumni. Retrieved 2018-11-21.
4. "Green Energy Project - Garry Carruthers". www.generalservices.state.nm.us. Retrieved 2020-03-19.
5. "Death: Penalty Parting Shot". Time Magazine. 1986-12-08.
6. "About the President".
7. "Former Gov. Garrey Carruthers to lead New Mexico State University". Santa Fe New Mexican. Associated Press. May 6, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
8. "Meeting with regents led to Carruthers' retirement". Las Cruces Sun News. August 23, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
9. "NMSU Chancellor Garrey Carruthers announces retirement".
10. Rene Romo (2013-04-23). "Carruthers makes pitch for NMSU president seat". Albuquerque Journal.
11. Romo, Rene (May 2, 2013). "Carruthers led effort backed by tobacco firm". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved December 31, 2014.

External links

• Appearances on C-SPAN

Party political offices
Preceded by John Irick	Republican nominee for Governor of New Mexico 1986	Succeeded by Frank Bond
Political offices
Preceded by Toney Anaya	Governor of New Mexico 1987–1991	Succeeded by Bruce King
Academic offices
Preceded by Barbara Couture	President of New Mexico State University 2013–2018	Succeeded by John D. Floros