SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University's TRIO Student Support Services Tutor Coordinator, Trese Collins, has been elected as the treasurer of the Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs (SWASAP). This organization advocates for TRIO Programs across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Collins will begin her two-year term on January 1.

"I deeply believe in the mission of the Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs," Collins expressed. "Serving as treasurer will be a powerful stepping stone toward advocacy for students at the state, regional and national levels. This is an incredibly rewarding experience allowing me to contribute to sound financial management, transparency and accountability within the organization. It also provides an opportunity to prioritize funding for student initiatives, addressing educational inequities, developing a holistic approach to student issues and supporting the mission of TRIO through leadership, networking and collaboration."

Collins is an NMSU graduate who has served as NMSU's TRIO SSS tutor coordinator since July 2009. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology.

"Serving the TRIO community over the past 15 years has been a truly life-changing experience," she said. "Being elected to this position is an incredible honor, and becoming the first individual from NMSU to serve on the executive board in nearly 30 years is a dream come true."

Bernadine Booky, NMSU TRIO SSS program director and TRIO New Mexico president stated, "Trese’s win is a testament to her dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting students and advancing the mission of TRIO Programs. We are confident that her expertise will greatly benefit SWASAP and continue to bring pride to TRIO New Mexico."

Tony Marin, associate vice president for Student Affairs commented, "Trese Collins has the confidence and respect of her colleagues within the five-state region that comprises SWASAP. SWASAP was the first of the 10 regional associations to organize advocacy efforts on behalf of first-generation, low-income and students with disabilities in the nation. Trese is going to represent both SWASAP and New Mexico State University well within her role as treasurer. We are proud of her leadership and investment in the success of TRIO Programs at NMSU and beyond."

Collins has previously served as finance chair for SWASAP for three years and has experience as TRIO New Mexico president.

"I believe this role will provide me with the opportunity to serve as a trusted voice for TRIO students at a higher level, fostering greater advocacy, influencing education policy and driving discussions around funding opportunities," Collins said.