Student Emily Wilbanks advanced to full Senate confirmation as Eastern New Mexico University student regent

Emily Brooke Wilbanks, a 19-year-old Eastern New Mexico University communications major, was advanced by the Senate Rules Committee to a full Senate confirmation vote after committee members praised her record and asked about representation and student safety.

Senator Boone introduced Wilbanks as a soon-to-be graduate with a Bachelor of Science in communications (broadcast journalism and public relations), and Chancellor James Johnson spoke in support. "She represents those leadership qualities that we try to grow and instill in our students," Johnson told the committee.

Wilbanks told senators she began at EMU as a 17-year-old and emphasized her campus involvement, work at the university's student news outlets and a 3.5 GPA. She said she plans to continue at EMU as a graduate student pursuing a master's in communications. "My vote is of equal value as my peers, and I plan to use that honestly and in the most genuine way possible," Wilbanks said.

Committee members asked about campus safety, the role of a student regent and whether she would represent both undergraduate and graduate students when she continues to graduate study. Wilbanks said she intends to listen to peers across programs and serve as the "liaison" who brings student perspectives to regents.

Senators including Townsend, Stewart and Block praised Wilbanks’ preparation and commitment; Block noted Wilbanks’ campus work and community involvement. A motion to move the appointment to the full Senate carried; the committee recorded eight votes in favor.

Letters of support and named endorsements were placed in the record, including from Tim Gutierrez (news and public relations at EMU), Riley Everson (licensed clinical social worker), and Dr. Donald Alder (professor of history at EMU). Wilbanks said she will graduate in May and intends to pursue a master’s degree while serving.