SILVER CITY, N.M. (KRQE) — The members of the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents have all resigned from their positions as of Tuesday. The move comes after the board received backlash and calls to step down for approving a $1.9 million severance package for the outgoing university president. “I have accepted the regents' resignations and will appoint new leaders who understand their primary duty to the public trust. I want to thank members of the New Mexico Legislature who also voiced their urgent concerns about this matter," Lujan Grisham said in a news release. Story continues below Podcast: Albuquerque Mayor Talks Crime, Homelessness, Goals for 2025 Crime: Former Bernalillo County deputy sentenced for tipping off drug dealer to 2021 raid Business: New owners talk about what’s next for South Valley batting cage The Board of Regents was comprised of board president Mary Hotvedt, members Mary Haviland, Dan Lopez, and Dalva Moellenberg, and student regent Trent Jones. The governor said her office is reviewing candidates to replace the former WNMU board members. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed an emergency motion in court on Monday to stop Western New Mexico University (WNMU) from making the severance payment to President Joseph Shepard. Shepard announced his resignation in December after a state audit revealed that WNMU spent more than $200,000 on travel and lodging from July 2018 to June 2023. The audit also found credit card spending totaling more than $145,000, which included furnishings for the president’s residence. Shepard disputed the audit’s finding and told the regents that media coverage of the school’s financial matters was a distraction to its accomplishments under his leadership. His last day is set for Jan. 14. Lujan Grisham said she welcomed the Attorney General's review and looks forward to working with the legislature to reform how severance packages are structured at public institutions.