Chancellor, ENMU Campus System

Dr. James Johnston is the 12th president of ENMU and the 3rd chancellor of the ENMU System. Dr. Johnston arrived at ENMU with more than 20 years of administrative experience, having served numerous leadership roles at other institutions throughout his career. He has a track record of success in leading enrollment growth, innovative programming, curricular offerings, and fundraising through traditional and innovative partnerships. As an administrator, he has dedicated his time, energy, and creativity to provide a supportive learning environment committed to student success.

Dr. Johnston is a first-generation college graduate. He began his education at South Plains College, receiving his Associate Degree in Radiologic Sciences in 1986. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences and his Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences from Midwestern State University. Dr. Johnston earned his Ph.D. in Health Studies from Texas Woman’s University in 2006.

Dr. Johnston is the lead author of the Essentials of Radiographic Physics and Imaging, now in its 3rd edition. He is also a contributor and reviewer of several books and has numerous publications in refereed journals and scholarly publications. Dr. Johnston has always considered himself a teacher-scholar and strongly holds to a student-centered teaching philosophy.

Dr. Johnston’s appointment as president and chancellor marks a return to New Mexico and West Texas for him and First Lady Stephanie Johnston. Dr. Johnston is originally from Slaton, Texas, and Stephanie is originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico. They are honored to serve the region they once again call home and are committed to ENMU and advancing its mission of student success.

President, ENMU-Roswell

Dr. Shawn Powell has served as President of Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell since 2018. Before joining ENMU-Roswell, he held leadership and faculty positions at Casper College. He previously served at the United States Air Force Academy as Director of the Cadet Counseling Center and Associate Professor of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership.

Dr. Powell earned a Ph.D. in School Psychology from University of Northern Colorado. He also holds master degrees from the University of Oklahoma and University of Central Oklahoma, along with an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force.

A licensed psychologist and board-certified school psychologist, Dr. Powell worked for many years in public education as a counselor and school psychologist before moving into higher education leadership. He also served as Director of the Wyoming National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program and completed 30 years of military service in the Air Force and Air National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Since beginning his community college leadership career in 2011, Dr. Powell has focused on supporting student success, strengthening partnerships, and expanding workforce and educational opportunities. At ENMU-Roswell, campus improvements during his tenure have included updates to facilities supporting automotive, welding, health sciences, physical plant operations, and aviation maintenance programs. He also established the ENMU-Roswell Leadership Fellows Program in 2021 to support employee professional development. Dr. Powell is active in a variety of community and professional organizations.