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Senate committee advances Marisol Olivas to full Senate for New Mexico State student regent slot
Summary
The Senate Rules Committee voted to forward Marisol Olivas’ nomination as student regent for New Mexico State University to the full Senate after members heard testimony in support from her sponsor and university officials.
Marisol Olivas, a graduate student at New Mexico State University, was approved by the Senate Rules Committee to advance to the full Senate for confirmation as NMSU student regent.
Olivas introduced herself to the committee, saying she graduated from New Mexico State in May 2024 with a bachelor of science in agriculture business and economics and is pursuing a master’s in agribusiness. “I am a truly a testament to some of the programs and organizations that have come through the roundhouse,” Olivas told the committee, adding that she is “here to serve you at New Mexico State University with all that I got. Go Aggies.”
Senator Crystal Brantley, who sponsored Olivas, described her academic record and background in cooperative extension and ag economics, and introduced witnesses who spoke in support. Jay Lillywhite, identified as associate dean for research and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station at NMSU, told the committee he had taught Olivas and called her resume “very impressive.” Jeff Witte, identified as the New Mexico secretary of agriculture, said Olivas had “lead her team to third place” at a national competition and that he fully supported her nomination.
Senators asked Olivas about her experience as an ACES ambassador and how she would represent undergraduates and graduate students. Olivas said she planned to engage stakeholders and encourage internships and community partnerships to support students’ career readiness.
Senator Stewart moved to forward Olivas’ nomination to the full Senate. A roll-call was taken: Senators Bergman (yes), Block (aye), Brantley (yes), Gallegos (yes), Stewart (yes), Jaramillo (yes) and Duhigg (yes) were recorded voting in favor; Senators Lopez and Stefanik were recorded as excused. The clerk recorded that Olivas would move on to the full Senate for confirmation later that morning (vote recorded in the hearing transcript as seven yes and two excused, later corrected on the record to eight in favor). The committee’s action was to forward the nomination; the full Senate will decide final confirmation.
The committee also noted there was no organized opposition and that several supporters participated in person and by Zoom. Olivas thanked the committee and supporters before the roll call concluded.
Olivas’ nomination now goes to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.
