From left to right, Carlos Carranza, Keana Huerta, and Nayelli Mancilla, the WNMU Student Hall of Fame 2025-2026 inducteesSILVER CITY, NM —Three Western New Mexico University students were recently inducted into the 2025-2026 Student Hall of Fame. This year's honorees—Keana Huerta, Carlos Carranza, and Nayeli Mancilla—stand out for their academic excellence, leadership, and service in the Mustang community. Their selection reflects their hard work, resilience, and dedication to WNMU and their peers.
Huerta is a first-generation nursing student with a deep commitment to public service. She serves as the WNMU Student Regent and is also a talented Tejano recording artist and local performer. "Being inducted into the Student Hall of Fame is an incredible honor, but it truly reflects the strength of the community I've found here. Western New Mexico University has been more than just a place to study; it's where I learned that true leadership is about lifting others up as you climb. I am so proud to represent the Mustang spirit," Huerta said.
Carranza exemplifies student leadership and forward-thinking vision through his role as the Associated Students of Western New Mexico University (ASWNMU) President, and the driving force behind the ASWNMU Learning Hub initiative. "Being recognized alongside such an incredible group of peers truly means a lot to me. I come from Hatch, and I am proud to say I'm a farmworker. That part of who I am has shaped my work ethic, my resilience, and the way I show up for others. This recognition isn't just mine—it belongs to every hand that worked beside me and every person who helped me get here," Carranza said.
Mancilla is a multi-talented leader who has seamlessly integrated her passion for the arts with a strong commitment to environmental advocacy and student governance who dedicated three years to student government, serving as Vice President and successfully helped lobby to improve university irrigation infrastructure. "I'm grateful for this recognition and for the people and community that shaped my time at WNMU. Much of what I've been able to do here has only been possible because of the support, guidance, and trust of others. I'm honored to be part of a community that has taught me the importance of responsibility, care, and contributing where I can," Mancilla said.
"Inducting Keana, Carlos, and Nayeli into the 2026 Student Hall of Fame is a celebration of the profound impact a dedicated student can have on our campus," said Assistant Vice President for Student Life, April Burt, MA. This year, we had several strong, highly qualified applicants. The inductees who were selected had to meet several criteria, including: demonstrated integrity and achievement, leadership in campus activities, community involvement, strong participation in various areas of campus life along with their academic scholarship while attending WNMU. All three inductees have had an exceptional impact on the campus community and as student leaders, have distinguished themselves from many other outstanding students. Their contributions to student governance and public service have left an indelible mark on WNMU and the Silver City community."
The Student Hall of Fame remains one of the most prestigious honors a student can achieve during their tenure at WNMU. It recognizes individuals who have not only excelled in their respective academic fields but have also made significant, lasting contributions to campus culture and the broader Silver City community.
