Q&A: Gamble on ENMU presidency: 'There's not many regrets'

PORTALES - Steve Gamble retired last week after 16 years as Eastern New Mexico University president.

He plans to work 10 hours a week under the direction of new President Jeff Elwell for the next year.

"Whatever he would like me to do, I will try my best," Gamble said.

One last Q&A with the university's ninth president:

Q: What are you most proud of during your time as president?

Gamble: Just the progress that the university has made, the fact that we're graduating more students than ever.

Our acceptance rates into graduate schools and medicine schools are really doing well.

Just the difference that we have made in students' lives throughout the 16 years I've been here.

Q: What was your biggest regret as president?

Gamble: I try not to think about regrets. It's hard to say. I'm sorry we're on NCAA probation, for example.

But, for the most part, there's not many regrets at this stage.

Q: Aside from working at the university, what will you be doing with your time after retirement?

Gamble: My dad lives with me, and I hopefully will be able to spend more time with him.

I'm not too big on hobbies, but I do need some time to rest.

So I do think between my 10-hour-a-week retirement and being with my dad and just pursuing things that come up unannounced, I'm sure I will fill up the day in a positive way.

Q: How do you think this position has changed your life?

Gamble: It actually becomes your life. I don't know how you can be a successful president without it just taking over most aspects of your life.

I think it's helped me meet a lot of good, wonderful people I wouldn't have met otherwise.

It let me have a sense of accomplishment in helping people have a better life through their experience at Eastern.

- Compiled by Staff Writer Eamon Scarbrough