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Margie Vela appointed to serve as NMSU’s student regent

New Mexico State University doctoral student Margie Vela has been appointed to serve as the student regent. She replaces Amanda Lopez Askin, who resigned in July, on NMSU’s Board of Regents. 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve NMSU and the State of New Mexico as the student regent,” Vela said. “I feel that my responsibility in this capacity is to continue to promote student success, and to represent the student body by presenting the interests of the academy that promote student success. I look forward to working with the board as we celebrate the current achievements at NMSU, and continue to increase NMSU’s service to students and the community, while supporting the great faculty, staff and administration at our institution.

“I’d like to thank Dr. Amanda Lopez Askin, former student regent, for mentoring and welcoming me through this transition,” Vela added. “She has truly left big shoes to fill, and I am delighted to continue working for the students at NMSU.”

Vela is pursuing a Ph.D. in water science and management, and she has an expected graduation date of 2019. She is a current graduate assistant and NMSU RISE Scholar. Vela, an El Paso, Texas native, earned a master’s degree in business administration and bachelor’s degree in business marketing from the University of Phoenix. 

“My work in water science and management explores how water impacts the social development and public health of communities. I am inspired to work towards a world that can provide clean drinking water to every person, and to support and train future researchers that can continue this endeavor.”

Vela is also currently a Hispanic Association for Colleges and Universities/Hispanic National Internship Program fellow. 

“As a member of the Board of Regents, I am committed to ensuring that high school graduates of New Mexico and the greater Southwest have access to a great education at NMSU, and the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research that addresses issues close to the mission of the university and the heart of New Mexico, the needs of the nation and the world.”

In New Mexico, student regents serve two-year terms. Vela’s appointment runs through Dec. 31, 2018. 

Information from NMSU