SOCORRO, N.M. – Serving on the New Mexico Tech Board of Regents has provided Veronica Espinoza the opportunity to make valuable contributions to the university while she represented the student body over the past four years. At its Feb. 10, 2023, board meeting, fellow regents and President’s Cabinet members thanked Student Regent Espinoza, as well as retiring longtime Board Chairwoman Deborah Peacock, who was absent from the meeting but received in-person appreciation for her service at the board’s December 2022 meeting.

Chair Peacock, of Corrales, has served on the Board since 2011, serving two, six-year terms, and as chair since February 2015. She is president and CEO of Peacock Law of Albuquerque, specializing in intellectual property law and transactions related to business and technology. She earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. She is licensed to practice law in New Mexico, New York, and Colorado, and is a Registered Patent Attorney and a registered Professional Engineer in New Mexico and Colorado.

“It has been an honor and privilege, and an absolute joy, to serve New Mexico Tech and our state for 12 years as a regent,” Chair Peacock said. “New Mexico Tech is absolutely the best, hands down. I will remain an advocate for recruiting students and research programs for New Mexico Tech.”

Regent Espinoza, of Sunland Park, has served as the student regent for two, two-year terms, holding office hours and bringing student concerns to the Board’s attention. She received a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from New Mexico Tech in 2020.  Both Regents Espinoza and Peacock are not seeking reappointment by the governor to serve on the Board. 

"It was a privilege to represent the students of New Mexico Tech on the Board of Regents,” Regent Espinoza said. “I truly enjoyed my time as the student regent and wish the new student regent the best in their vital role as the voice of the students.”

“It has been a pleasure to work closely with both Regents Peacock and Espinoza, and on behalf of students, staff, and faculty, I want to thank them for their service,” President Stephen G. Wells said. 

“Regent Espinoza has been a stellar regent and didn’t hold back any hard questions. We deeply appreciate the leadership that Chair Peacock has provided – to me personally and to the university.”

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to announce the appointment of two new members of the New Mexico Tech Board of Regents sometime during the remainder of the 2023 legislative session, which ends March 18. The New Mexico Senate will then vote on confirming the nominations.