by Marcella Ortega
Daily Lobo
Gov. Bill Richardson appointed attorney Carolyn Abeita to the Board of Regents on Jan. 26.
She will replace Regent Sandra Begay-Campbell.
Abeita, who graduated from UNM with a bachelor of arts in 1983 and received her law degree from the UNM School of Law in 1988, said she will bring her experience working with minority issues to UNM.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
"I think that is kind of what he (Richardson) is looking for - someone with the ability to work with the various groups," she said. "Because that is what you have at a university, especially a university as diverse as UNM."
Abeita said she is pleased to take the position.
"We're looking at a selection of a president," she said. "I'm really just excited for this opportunity, and I think it is really an important time for the University and the community. It should be exciting to see where this goes."
Abeita grew up in the Isleta Pueblo and specializes in federal American-Indian law. She joined Van Amberg, Rogers, Yepa and Abeita law firm last year. She is on the board of directors of Equal Access to Justice.
In a news release, Richardson stated that Abeita brings a strong background in tribal law and a diverse perspective to the Board of Regents.
"I am confident that her experience will help continue to expand UNM's tribal programs, as well as make her an excellent Regent," he stated.
Abeita said she was concerned about the diversity of the Board of Regents.
"We've got the minorities (to represent) and the women, especially," she said. "I think that is one of the reasons why Gov. Richardson had looks towards appointing a Pueblo Indian woman to the board, to make sure there is that kind of
perspective."
Begay-Campbell, who is also an American Indian, said there should be more women on the board. She said she would have continued if Richardson reappointed her.
"I've enjoyed what I've been able to do with the University, but it was not my decision," she said. "So, I will just live with the outcome."
In the release, Richardson stated Begay-Campbell provided excellent service as a regent.
"She is a true leader and a great example for Native-American women across New Mexico," he stated. "I hope she can continue to serve the state in some capacity in the near future."
Begay-Campbell said there was pressure for Richardson to appoint another American Indian.
"I think the bottom line is we have the notion or desire to be an advocate for Native-American students, faculty and staff," she said. "I think she (Abeita) will have to balance all that."
For now, Abeita is only concerned with selecting a new president.
"Quite honestly, my focus right at this moment has to be on the presidential selection," she said. "I think that should be the focus, really, because once that happens, a lot of other things will fall into place, and you can address different things as you go on."
Abeita will seek community feedback during the presidential selection process, she said. She said she wants community members to attend forums and give their input.
"That position is so important that I think it is really just incumbent on people that are in the community, whether it's faculty, students, even community folks to participate," she said. "Hopefully, they will."
