Mencia to replace Klueber as NSCS student trustee

A replacement for Konery Klueber, the current Chadron State College student trustee to the Nebraska State College System has been filled. 

Ruth Mencia, Junior of Grand Island will replace Klueber once his term ends at the conclusion of the spring semester. 

Her tenure will be split into three sections. One in which she works as an apprentice with Klueber, one working independently and the final to train her replacement. 

Mencia has worked as a residential advisor on campus for over two years. She says that and experience on Campus Activity Board made her realize she wanted to advocate for students as trustee.  

“I originally heard about the position when I joined the CAB my freshman year. During my experience in senate, I’ve witnessed and observed the student trustee position directly. This allowed me to gain a further understanding of what the position entails,” Mencia said. 

As part of the position, Mencia will attend regular Student Senate meetings to gain greater student insight about campus activies and other student perspectives. 

Using that information, Mencia will report back to the NSCS Board of Trustees to provide them with an insight of student perspective and opinion about potential NSCS policy changes. 

She says she also wants to ensure that campus community members’ physical, emotional and mental wellness is preserved – especially given the current pandemic.  

Mencia currently serves as the CAB chair on Student Senate. She says she has benefitted from that and other positions held on student government, which included being a representative and vice chair of records on CAB. 

“I have benefitted from my time with student senate the most through my personal leadership growth, as well as the connections that my positions have offered me,” Mencia said. “Having the opportunity to work with student government, specifically with my role within CAB has been extremely rewarding to me because of the ability for me to work with a large organization of diverse individuals.” 

As Mencia continues her work with senate, she anticipates various but solvable challenges. 

“Working with a multitude of individuals entails various perspectives that may differ. Thankfully, our Senate is made up of individuals that are open-minded and willing to discuss our thoughts before coming to a unanimous decision or majority vote,” she said. 

After college, Mencia plans to join the Air Force before attending UNMC to earn a master’s of public health and social work. She hopes one day to become a bilingual healthcare social worker within the military