SILVER CITY, N.M. (KRQE) – For the last year, Western New Mexico University's former president, Joseph Shepard, has been at the center of controversy and allegations surrounding university spending.

The former university president is denying all claims of fraud and, in a recent lawsuit, is instead claiming to be the target of retaliation and conspiracy. Shepard had been the President of Western New Mexico University since July of 2011, but in January, he resigned, amid allegations of improper spending at the school.

"To go through this experience has been absolutely horrendous. It uprooted my life, my career, it destroyed my career," Joseph Shepard told News 13.

Shepard and the university again faced scrutiny after it was revealed he would be given a $1.9 million severance package and s

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