On March 17, 2025, Keana Richelle Huerta, a Level 2 nursing student at WNMU, appeared before the Senate Rules Committee regarding her appointment as the Student Regent for the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents. Senator Ramos, her Senate sponsor, introduced her, noting that she was born and raised in Hurley in Grant County, served as a city councilwoman—appointed during her senior year of high school and elected the following year—and is a member of the Silver City Kiwanis. The Senator also spoke about Ms. Huerta’s passion for music, sharing that she is a local recording artist. Later, other Senators noted that she is currently the only woman serving on the Board.

During her hearing, Huerta addressed the effects of recent controversies at the University on students.

“Right now, it’s an unprecedented and weird time. It’s weird on campus… Me and many others have a vision for Western and its greatness. It’s unfortunate right now to see whole groups on campus unsure if they’re able to make it into the next fiscal year with how we’re headed.”

She told the Committee:

“I hate that my university is going through that, and I hope my presence here will give the university ease that we’re headed in the right direction. We just need that presence of honesty and surety to make sure that our campus stays right.”

In preparation for this article, she highlighted her time as a councilwoman in her hometown. She asked that we specify that after being elected in November 2023, she served in the role until January 2025.

She shared, “My time in local government has been an important part of my journey and helped me become more immersed in community service and leadership.”

Huerta was voted out of Senate Rules 7-0 and, along with others that day, was confirmed unanimously by the NM Senate. Her term will end on December 31, 2026.

Readers may go to the NMlegis.gov site and view her hearing before Senate Rules in its entirety