COL West (NMMI) is a native of New Mexico, born in Roswell and growing up in Clovis, New Mexico. David attended Texas Tech University upon graduation from Clovis High School. During his tenure at Texas Tech, David took time to join the US Army as a combat medic serving from 1985-1991. David’s is married to his high school sweetheart, Shana since 1985. They have one daughter, Sara.
David graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, David was employed as a design and development engineer at Rust International of Birmingham, Alabama. David moved to Roswell in 1990, joining the TMC bus manufacturing group. In 2007 he was the Vice President of Engineering with ISE Research of San Diego, California. Shortly thereafter, an opportunity arose for David to return to Roswell where he accepted the position of Vice President of Facilities for the New Mexico Military Institute. David was promoted to Chief of Staff to the President/ Superintendent of NMMI in 2012.
David has served with several boards and commissions including the United Way, and the Community Improvement Commission of Roswell. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the State Land Trust Advisory Board representing the beneficiaries of the State Land Trusts with the State Land Commissioner.
David is a graduate of the Leadership Roswell and Leadership New Mexico, Core Program. David is an Elder with the Country Club Road Church of Christ where he spends the majority of his volunteer time. He has also been involved with community volunteer projects and leadership efforts.
He enjoys mechanical work and woodworking, but his passion is youth; where he spends the majority of his days working with young men and women of the Institute, Roswell community, and church.