Dear Colleagues, 

As provost, I am proud to highlight a group of students selected by college leadership. Their stories showcase the unique experiences that have shaped who they are today and reflect the trust they have placed in New Mexico State University (NMSU) to be an integral part of the their future academic journey. 

Jayda Goodson, Agricultural Economics & Agricultural Business

I am a graduate of Texico High School and now a freshman at NMSU, majoring in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business. Growing up on my family ranch and working in our agricultural supply store gave me deep roots in the agricultural industry from an early age. These experiences instilled in me a strong work ethic and leadership qualities that continue to guide my path.

For more than five years, I have been actively involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization, and I currently serve as the State President of the New Mexico FFA Association. Through my leadership roles, I’ve learned to solve problems quickly and to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. I am passionate about protecting the agricultural industry and advocating for its future. At NMSU, I plan to continue building my education and leadership experience, with the long-term goal of attending law school and pursuing a career in agricultural politics and policy.

Mercedes Carleton, Criminal Justice

I am from Arizona. Growing up with significant health challenges and hearing loss, I learned resilience, independence, and the importance of stepping up for others. From early responsibilities at home to supporting my family through illness, these experiences shaped me into a compassionate and determined leader.

As a first-generation college student, navigating financial aid and scholarships without a roadmap has been difficult, but perseverance and my family’s support have kept my dream alive. Working at Barro’s Pizza to help pay for college and mentoring others through the scholarship process reflect my commitment to hard work and giving back.

At NMSU, I am pursuing both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminal Justice, with plans to become a crime scene investigator. Inspired by my faith and a desire to serve families seeking justice and closure, I hope to use my problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and compassion to make a difference. My background in theater helped me build confidence and self-expression, but my calling to serve others through Criminal Justice ultimately took hold. With values shaped by my military family – discipline, dedication, and service – I embrace leadership opportunities at NMSU and look forward to building a future dedicated to helping others.

Nadya Neparko, Electrical Engineering & Genetics/Biotechnology

I am a high school scholar and leader from Vado, NM, and I’ve grown through opportunities in 4-H and my Homeschool Co-op Program. In 4-H, I held leadership roles at the local, county, state, and national levels, and I also served as a New Mexico 4-H State STEM Ambassador. Through NMSU’s STEAM summer programs, I discovered how much I enjoy combining creativity, science, and leadership to inspire others.

In 2023, I interned at UTEP and co-authored a peer-reviewed article published in the Journal of Materials Science. These opportunities, along with my rural lifestyle and my love of repairing vintage electronics and arcade games, inspired me to attend NMSU and pursue a double-major in Electrical Engineering and Genetics/Biotechnology. Looking ahead, my goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and use both fields of study in a career where I can make a positive difference for my community, state, country, and world.

Lillian Balizan, Nursing

I am a proud hometown Aggie, born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Choosing NMSU allows me to stay close to the community that shaped me, while continuing my family’s proud tradition of being Aggies.

Growing up in Las Cruces, I was surrounded by people who value hard work, faith, and giving back. My interest in healthcare inspired me to pursue a degree in nursing, where I hope to build a career centered on care, compassion, and meaningful connections with people.

My passion for serving others has grown through school and community activities. As the 2024 Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo Fair Queen, I learned the importance of leadership, responsibility, and making people feel seen and valued, qualities that align perfectly with my goal of becoming a nurse. As an incoming freshman, I am excited to begin this next chapter of my educational journey in my hometown. To me, being an Aggie isn’t just about location, it’s about pride, belonging, and a deep commitment to giving back to the community, people, and culture that raised me.

Emmie Navarrette, Genetics and Genomics

I am from Carlsbad, NM, and I am proud to be both a PAE Leader Scholar (Presidential) and a graduate of NMSU’s new pre-college 1888 Leadership Initiative camp. In high school, I gained valuable leadership experience as captain of the band’s trumpet section, volunteered at Noah’s Ark animal shelter, served with Riverblitz, and contributed to the Assistance League of Carlsbad.

At NMSU, I look forward to continuing my volunteer work with community organizations and animal shelters in Las Cruces, while also seeking leadership opportunities in campus clubs. My academic goal is to prepare for a PhD program in Genetics and Genomics, where I plan to focus on agricultural genetic engineering to help address food challenges and create solutions that make a lasting difference.

These students embody the resilience, talent, and dedication that make our Aggie community so special. Their journeys reflect the transformative power of education and highlight the vital role NMSU plays in preparing the next generation of leaders and changemakers. I am deeply grateful to our college leadership for bringing forward these inspiring stories, and I look forward to celebrating the continued accomplishments of our students at NMSU and beyond. We are NMSU.

Sincerely, 

Lakshmi N. Reddi
Interim Provost
New Mexico State University