Jay Gurley

Degree: Education Administration
Year: 1962, 1967

College experience doesn’t always last four years; sometimes, it can last a lifetime. Just ask Dr. Jay Gurley. His involvement in student government, student organizations, alumni supporting roles and other activities that have aided Eastern have kept him involved with ENMU since he first stepped on campus as a freshman in 1958.

Jay graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in 1967. Although he went on to receive a doctorate degree from Texas A&M-Commerce (formerly East Texas State), his involvement with Eastern New Mexico University has been steadfast.

He has served in many positions for Eastern, including Director of Upward Bound, faculty member, and director of the School of Education before he was named provost for the former ENMU-Clovis campus. “I have had the good fortune to meet and/or serve with every Eastern president since its beginning,” Jay noted.

Jay has received many awards from Eastern, including the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1996 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1999. He was also inducted into the ENMU Athletic Hall of Honors in 2002 for his achievement as a Greyhound basketball player. This year, he was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson to serve on Eastern’s Board of Regents for six years.

Currently, Jay serves as director for Corporate Communications and is also President Emeritus of Clovis Community College. He retired from public education in 2003.

Jay’s fondest memories include meeting new, lifelong friends while at Eastern. In fact, one of his former roommates is now his brother-in-law. “I remember the friendliness of people the first time I set foot on campus and was drawn to the wonderful culture that existed. All in all, Eastern serves a great purpose in the region’s need for higher education,” he concluded.