Dr. Michael jackson
New Mexico State University
SOCORRO, NM – July 28, 2025 – New Mexico Tech has announced a temporary leadership structure following the recent resignation of Dr. Mahyar Amouzegar. Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Jackson will serve as Acting President, effective July 28, 2025. Dr. Lique Coolen, Vice President of Research, will also assume the role of Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, effective August 1, 2025. This structure is designed to ensure seamless university operations and maintain a strong focus on the institution's academic and research missions.
"I am honored to serve New Mexico Tech during this transitional period," said Acting President Jackson. "I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Amouzegar for his mentorship and dedicated service to our university and the Socorro community. His strategic vision has been a great asset."
Jackson expressed confidence in the university's future, citing its dedicated faculty and staff as its greatest strength in carrying out NMT’s mission and vision.
"While leadership transitions bring challenges, our core mission is unwavering," Jackson said. "We remain fully committed to providing a world-class STEM education for our students and advancing research that benefits our state and nation. I am confident that by working together, our exceptional team will continue to thrive."
Dr. Michael Jackson received his bachelor’s degree in physics and applied mathematics from the State University of New York-Oswego and a doctorate in physics from New Mexico State University. He has held faculty positions at the State University of West Georgia, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and Central Washington University. Prior to joining NMT in 2021, he served as Founding Dean of the College of Science and Technology at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Physics Teachers and the American Physical Society.