Sherry Kollmann Chancellor of NMSU Global | nmsu.edu
Sherry Kollmann Chancellor of NMSU Global | nmsu.edu
The New Mexico Senate has confirmed Rico Gonzales and Marisol Olivas as new members of the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Board of Regents. They were nominated by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Gonzales, who is El Paso Electric’s regional vice president for New Mexico, will replace Dina Chacón-Reitzel. He brings over 20 years of experience in public policy and communications, having worked on legislative and regulatory strategies. His role at El Paso Electric involves leading government affairs and community engagement across various states. Previously, he was the director of state legislative affairs for NMSU and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, where he secured funding for statewide improvements.
Gonzales expressed his eagerness to collaborate with fellow regents and NMSU leadership. “I look forward to working with my fellow regents, President Valerio Ferme and Secretary Jeff Witte of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture,” Gonzales said. “I wanted to thank Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for this opportunity. We are going to continue to grow Aggie Nation to be the leading university in the state and region.” His term will last until December 31, 2030.
Olivas is a graduate student at NMSU pursuing a master’s degree in agriculture with a focus on agricultural business. She succeeds Garrett Moseley as the board's student regent. Olivas has been active in promoting agriculture through her roles within NMSU's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and as a member of NMSU’s National Agri-Marketing chapter.
She shared her enthusiasm about her new role: “I am deeply honored to be the next NMSU student regent. This is a huge responsibility, and I am eager to serve all students at New Mexico State University to the best of my ability,” Olivas said. “I intend to put my best foot forward and be of service to facilitate positive change and shape NMSU to be the best that it can be. Go Aggies!” Her term will run until December 31, 2026.
Both Gonzales and Olivas join Ammu Devasthali, Christopher Saucedo, and Deborah Romero on the NMSU Board of Regents.
For more information about the board, visit their website.
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