NMSU taps new general counsel

New Mexico State University announced last week that Lisa Henderson is the university’s new general counsel and chief legal affairs officer.

Henderson, who joined NMSU on Dec. 15, will serve as the university’s primary attorney providing legal guidance and services, as explained in a news release. She will advise the university regents and senior executive leadership in addition to representing the university in administrative actions and court proceedings.

The counsel’s office also serves the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, which is housed at NMSU, and oversees the Office of Institutional Equity and Athletics Compliance departments, the university explained.

Henderson previously served as associate general counsel at Oklahoma City Community College. Prior to that she had been counsel general for other public agencies in Oklahoma.

Henderson succeeds Scott Field, who served as interim general counsel for six months and will return to his regular role in the counsel’s office.
“Lisa brings to NMSU a wealth of knowledge about the legal issues facing higher education and a track record as a highly effective public attorney,” NMSU President Jay Gogue said. “We are excited to have her on board.” 

Henderson holds a law degree with honors and a Master of Laws in healthcare from University of Oklahoma College of Law. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she graduated summa cum laude.