Q&A: Regent will bring new perspective

Chase L. Sturdevant

ENMU student regent

Chase L. Sturdevant of Silver City was named Eastern New Mexico University's student regent by Gov. Susana Martinez last week.

Sturdevant, a junior majoring in psychology, will serve as a student representative and a voting member on the ENMU Board of Regents for the course of one year.

Sturdevant said the selection process was lengthy, which involved an extensive application packet and interviews with student senators, ENMU President Steven Gamble and a representative of the governor's office.

Sturdevant answered questions about his new position and how his past leadership experience relates to it.

Do you feel any pressure now that your the voice of the students?

I do feel some pressure, but the pressure comes from my desire to represent the students of ENMU to the best of my ability.

What leadership roles have you held on campus prior to this?

Since coming to ENMU I have held several leadership roles. I have served as Kappa Sigma grand master of ceremonies, Kappa Sigma grand procurator, ENMU student senator, Inter Fraternal Council secretary and vice president, and I have also served as Circle K international charter member and vice president.

What are your future career goals? How do you feel this position will prepare you for that?

After graduation from ENMU, I want to attend (University of New Mexico) to receive my master's in counseling. After receiving my master's, I want to work in substance abuse counseling. I believe that this job will help me learn the skills necessary to communicate to community leaders and present information effectively, and this will help me when I need to find grant money for research and help expand the mental health field in New Mexico.

If you had the power to approve an unlimited amount of funds for a project or legislation that would benefit ENMU students, what would that be?

I would love to be able get a building on campus that was designated to promote fun and community on campus. It would be a building with games, a theater for bands and movies to be played, a computer lab, lounge, basketball courts and open areas for other encouraged activities. Living in a small town, kids are always going out of town to have fun and it would be nice to see a building that stays open late that encourages a more community feeling on campus.

You will have the opportunity in this position to meet legislators as well as Gov. Susana Martinez. Who is the most famous person you've met?

I have not met very many famous people, but the most famous person I have met was Gov. Susana Martinez.

What made this position so appealing to you?

I first became interested in the position when a few of my fraternity brothers suggested that I apply for the position. I have always wanted to know more about our campus and how it works and I want to be the voice of the students on the board.

Since you'll be the youngest member on the board of regents, what perspective do you think you'll bring?

I am there to bring the students' perspective. I see and hear things from average students. This allows me to present the students' view in the board of regents.

Since the meetings often have food, if you can pick any restaurant or specific cuisine to be offered at the meeting, what would that be?

I have always been a fan of Red Lobster.

How available will you be to your fellow students?

I am going to be very available. I have several new things planned that will make the student regent more available than it has been.

What is one thing you want to get accomplished in this position?

I want to make the students aware of what is happening on campus and how the school is run. The average student does not even know what a regent is and I want to change that.