LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Former Chancellor of North Carolina State University, James Oblinger, is now a candidate for New Mexico State University’s president position, but not without being under the radar. That’s because Oblinger resigned from his post at NCSU after facing controversy. Former North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley's wife was hired by the university in 2005 for about $90,000 a year, but she was offered a raise last year with additional duties put on her job, for a contract of $170,000 a year. Oblinger said that is where public outcry was first heard especially since Easley’s offer came when the economy was on the downfall. Oblinger said because of all the scrutiny and media attention toward the matter, he decided it would only be in the best interest of NCSU to resign so the university could move forward without any negative attention. Oblinger said ultimately the conflict did fall under his watch but, contrary to personal opinion, he said no decisions were ever made that would intentionally harm the university.

“I will point out the bottom line on that position and that salary and it was that it was approved by the board of trustees in the form that submitted and documented and it was approved by the governing board,” said Oblinger.

Thursday, the NMSU board of regents will have a special meeting where they will decide who will be the university's next president.