Richardson appoints new NMSU student regent

Gov. Bill Richardson has appointed graduate student Ed Kellum to the New Mexico State University Board of Regents.

Assuming he’s confirmed when the Legislature convenes in January, Kellum, a registered independent, will replace Sherry Kamali, whose term expires at the end of the year. Kellum will serve for two years.

“While Ed Kellum will no doubt be a true voice for the students at New Mexico State University, I am counting on him to bring a unique perspective to the Board of Regents,” Richardson said in a news release. “Ed wants to establish a national identify for NMSU. I look forward to watching NMSU continue to move forward with his help.”

Kellum earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from NMSU earlier this year. He is currently a graduate student in the government public affairs program. Kellum is also director of government affairs for the Associated Students of NMSU and has served as a student representative to the Faculty Senate.

Richardson still needs to decide whether to reappoint Laura Conniff to another six-year term on the board or replace her with someone else. Her current term also expires at the end of the year.