When Emily Wilbanks walks the Eastern New Mexico University campus, she crosses paths that were familiar to generations of her family. From her grandfather to her parents, the Greyhound spirit runs deep in the Wilbanks family. But Emily isn't just honoring her family's past; she's stepping up to shape the University's future.
As ENMU's newly appointed student regent, Wilbanks, an undergraduate studying broadcast and public relations, not only brings a rich family legacy to the University but also a deeply ingrained desire to help others. "I was very surprised when I found out," she said. "Personally, I mean it's a great honor. It means so much to me to be put in a role where I'm contributing to the University."
Guided by her commitment to kindness, she aims to leverage her unique position and communication skills to support efforts central to ENMU's governance. Providing governing oversight of a university system is no small feat. Wilbanks is prepared to rise to the challenge with her fellow regents.
Operating within state and federal laws, the Board maintains full oversight and governance of the entire ENMU System. The scope of their authority spans full legal, financial, academic, and contractual obligations for the System.
As her first chapter of education ends, Wilbanks plans to pursue her master's degree while balancing duties as a student regent, a balance Wilbanks finds familiar. "I have always done well academically, so I feel confident in keeping up with that," she said. Wilbanks hopes that her work with the Counseling Corner on campus, her personal interests in mental well-being, and her supportive nature encourage others to seek the same balance while taking on new challenges.
“When I have committed myself to helping and to serving people, that's what fuels my fire...”
Driven yet humble, Wilbanks shares one word for the legacy she wishes to leave behind at ENMU: "Servitude—When I have committed myself to helping and to serving people, that's what fuels my fire, and that's what combats my burnout is to get out there and be around people that I can help," she said. For Wilbanks, service to others is a family tradition. "Reflecting on my family's history here and my parents in general, they've all dedicated their lives to public service. I honestly [wondered], what's better than serving your community?" she said.
Wilbanks shares that several of her family members are not only ENMU alums but also serve in roles helping others. Their loving and supportive personalities defined many of the values she mirrors in her life.
A strong commitment to service echoes through generations of Emily's family. Her great-grandparents set an early example: Ben F. Pritchett (M. Ed. 68) served education as a teacher and superintendent, while Dooley Redwine (BS 91) focused on child welfare as a home administrator for the New Mexico Children's Home. Their dedication to public service was continued with her parents. Emily's mother, Lisa Candelaria, pursued an extensive health care education, including a BSN from ENMU (04), leading to a 29-year career culminating as a family nurse practitioner. Her stepfather, Scott Candelaria (BS 14), served locally as a firefighter, paramedic, and fire marshal. Emily's father, Jason Wilbanks, is a utilities team leader at the local cheese plant, and her stepmother, Jena Wilbanks (BBA 07), works as a portfolio analyst.
When Wilbanks began her journey at ENMU, she was 17, shy, motivated, and unsure of what steps to take next. "I graduated high school early, and I didn't feel confident in leaving my original environment at Portales. So, I figured I might as well just start and see where it took me." After experiencing the Communication program at ENMU, she was hooked on the creativity she discovered could be employed as a communications professional. Originally majoring with a public relations focus, Wilbanks branched out into broadcast production with the KENW newsroom, first as a news anchor and eventually working up to a role as a news producer. She is now a student podcast producer for "Greyhound Grit" with the Office of Health and Wellness. She provides public service, supports mental health, and connects students in need with resources. "The things that my guests and I have experienced and learned might be valuable to someone else in our shoes, and through the podcast, we can reach more people than ever before," she said.
Her exposure to the communication field and skills gained through her education are a tangible reminder of her desire to connect with others and share their stories. Wilbanks hopes her time as a student regent provides valuable insights into how governance works so she is better informed in her pursuits as a professional. She also anticipates that this role will require her to connect with the university community in ways she hasn't before.
As the sun sets on Wilbanks's undergraduate education, she looks optimistically at her future as a master's student and her role as regent. She has spent a lifetime surrounded by family who give their time to care for others. This and her deep sense of care have guided her thus far. She parts with one piece of advice for others considering a path like her own. "You're going to learn more if you're willing to open your ears and listen to people," she said.