LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- The search is off for a new president at New Mexico State University.

The recent search ended as several candidates pulled out after learning about a state law requiring their names be released to the public.

The board of regents hopes some of the five finalists will reapply in a new search, which could begin next semester.

“I'm disappointed that we did not get a chance to publicly vet those candidates and select one,” said NMSU Board of Regents President Bob Gallagher.

Residents agreed. It would be devastating for the candidates who were not given the job.

“If you're going to look for another job you don't necessarily want your current employer to know about it,” said Paul Hardy of South Las Cruces.

The search is off until a possible three of five new university regents are seated next year.

Interim President Waded Cruzado declined on the position, but next time around she could change her mind. And the board is hoping for change of some kind --perhaps in the legislature.

“We're going to see if we can't find a common ground between the need to have total transparency and the need to have some ability to heal candidates still in the mix from hurting their career,” said Gallagher.

Gallagher said the search would cost nearly $100,000. The money comes from the foundation which would have otherwise gone to former President Michael Martin if he had completed his eligibility for deferred compensation.