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Committee advances Elaine Luna to full Senate confirmation for Highlands Board of Regents
Summary
The Senate Rules Committee voted to advance Elaine Luna’s nomination to the New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents after supporters described her career in social work, health workforce development and community service; committee vote recorded as 7 in favor to send to full Senate.
The New Mexico Senate Rules Committee voted to advance Elaine Luna’s nomination to the New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents to a full‑Senate confirmation after a hearing in which supporters highlighted her work in health workforce development, rural education and community recovery.
Senator Campos introduced Luna and said she is “devoted … to the health of every individual in the state of New Mexico,” noting Luna’s work on school boards, Luna Community College and local hospital boards.
Luna told the committee she grew up near Española and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from New Mexico Highlands University and later a master’s in social work with a specialty in medical social work. She described working in an emergency room while a student and later directing programs focused on rural health workforce development. “There is a tremendous need for mental and physical support for our students,” Luna said, and she urged support for career development and behavioral‑health training for students preparing for health careers.
Supporters called to testify included Dr. Frank Sanchez, who said he has served with Luna in local organizations and praised her “diligence” and “dedication.” Online testimony and written support were reported from several community leaders and institutions, including Luna Community College and the Las Vegas, N.M., Community Foundation.
Senator Bergman moved to advance Luna’s appointment. The committee roll call recorded seven votes in favor; the chair announced that the nominee will be sent to the full Senate for confirmation later the same morning. No committee amendments were recorded.
Luna’s testimony emphasized links between K‑12, community college and university pipelines for health professions and the need for supports that address students’ academic and behavioral health needs. The committee’s action advances a candidate with deep local ties into a statewide university governance role; final confirmation requires a vote by the full Senate.
