N.M. Stat. § 76-16-3
The regents of the college of agriculture and mechanic arts of the state of New Mexico [New Mexico state university], are charged with the enforcement of this act [76-16-1 to 76-16-9 NMSA 1978], and such regents are authorized and empowered to promulgate, publish and enforce such reasonable rules and regulations not in conflict herewith, as they may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this act, and such rules and regulations shall have the force and effect of law and [the regents] shall appoint such agents and employees and fix the salary thereof as may be necessary for the enforcement hereof, and such salaries and expenses of such agents and employees in connection with the enforcement of this act, shall be a proper charge against the appropriations for the college of agriculture and mechanic arts [New Mexico state university].
NMS § 76-16-3