Amanda Lopez Askin, a New Mexico State University doctoral student who already holds multiple NMSU degrees, has been confirmed as the university’s newest student regent.
“First and foremost, I am honored to be appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez as the NMSU student regent,” Lopez Askin said. “As a graduate student in the College of Education, I am excited to bring this unique perspective to the board. Moreover, as a native Las Crucen, I am proud to be able to be part of this historically significant board, which includes four women.”
The NMSU Board of Regents has a total of five members, so this marks the largest percent of female board members in the university’s history. Additionally, NMSU has a larger percentage of female board members than any of its peer institutions.
Lopez Askin is currently pursuing her doctorate in education leadership administration, with an emphasis in social justice. She already holds a master’s in family and consumer science and a bachelor’s in family and child science from NMSU.
“I hope to represent all the NMSU students with the same integrity, grace and intelligence that I have been afforded during my time as a bachelor’s, master’s and current doctoral student at this great institution,” Lopez Askin said.
Since 2005, she has worked as a school mental health advocate at the New Mexico Department of Health for the Southwest Region. There, she provides technical assistance, support and training on school mental health issues, including promoting school-based health centers. She also develops and teaches educational topics that include suicide prevention, mental health awareness, self-esteem and bullying prevention. She has more than 15 years of experience working with various school and community organizations supporting school mental health and wellness.
Lopez Askin has served as part of the youth substance abuse prevention group for UP! Coalition and the bullying prevention education group for the Community Unity Coalition. She’s been an advisory board member for the Crisis Assistance Listening Line and been a March of Dimes High Heels for High Hopes celebrity model fundraiser. She’s also devoted to animal welfare work. At Action Programs for Animals, she volunteers, fosters pets and serves as a board member.
Regents are nominated by the New Mexico governor and confirmed by the New Mexico Senate. In New Mexico, student regents serve a term of two years.
Information from NMSU