UNM President Louis Caldera said appointing Breda Bova as his senior adviser is one of the best additions he has made to his staff.
"This has been one of my more inspired choices," he said. "I thought she'd be great because she's very well-liked and respected across campus."
Bova, who is the associate dean of the College of Education, said she is not sure what she will be working on, but will serve as a connection between Caldera and faculty, staff and students. She said one of her projects will be High Tech High, a charter high school at UNM.
Connie Beimer, Caldera's chief of staff, said Bova's annual salary will be $110,638, up from her previous salary of $108,298.
Bova said she is enthusiastic about her new job.
"I'm excited about it," she said. "I'm looking forward to working with him."
Her job begins July 1.
Bova will replace Wynn Goering as an adviser to Caldera.
Goering said the biggest challenge of the job is trying to guess what the president wants.
"You are trying your best to anticipate exactly what the president would need or would like in any given situation," he said. "You're always engaged in trying to think like somebody else."
Bova said she does not think that will be the hardest part.
"I think managing multiple issues at the same time will be a big challenge, but it's one that I'm looking forward to," Bova said.
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Goering said in his position he worked on press releases and letters from Caldera, and also worked on some special projects, such as High Tech High. He said Bova might not work on the same things, because she has different skills.
Caldera said the position, which lasts two years, is meant to bring a variety of experience to the president's office.
Goering said it is important to have someone who has spent a lot of time in academic settings working in Caldera's office.
"It's clear that the president feels strongly that he needs someone with experience in higher education," Goering said.
Goering said his advice to Bova is to fill any gaps in Caldera's capabilities.
"What he needs from you is what he doesn't have," Goering said.
Susanna Gilbert, who has known Bova for 23 years and worked with her for six years, said Bova will bring a distinctive set of skills to the president's office.
"She communicates very well," Gilbert said. "She has her own unique style."
Anne Madsen will replace Bova as associate dean of the College of Education. Bova will remain a member of the college's faculty.
