The Black Student Association (BSA) of NMSU involves African American students in campus activities and social and cultural events. The BSA also promotes cultural awareness across campus and in the surrounding community

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OFFICERS OF BLACK STUDENT ORGANIZATION 2023-2024


The officers of the Black Student Association for 2023-2024 are a dedicated and dynamic team committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. They bring a wealth of diverse experiences and passions, ranging from sociology to higher education administration. Each officer, from the President to the Recruitment Chair, embodies leadership, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to advocacy and service. Together, they work tirelessly to create a welcoming environment for all students, promote cultural awareness, and drive meaningful change within the university and beyond. Their unique backgrounds and shared dedication make them an exceptional team poised to lead the Black Student Association with vision and purpose.

PRESIDENT



Image of Kirsten Gentle, President of Black Student Association. The image shows a person sitting inside a car. The person is seated in the driver's seat, wearing a light grey sweatshirt with text partially obscured by a black seatbelt. They are smiling and have one hand placed behind their head. The background includes a window to the left, showing a blue sky and a neighboring house. The car interior features a dark headrest and ceiling upholstery.

Kirsten Gentle
Kirsten Gentle is the President of the Black Student Association. She is a recent graduate at New Mexico University receiving her Bachelor’s in Sociology. She is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health. She was born at Fort Carson military base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, but grew up in El Paso, Texas. When she isn’t being a scholar or working, she is somewhere binge-watching Marvel and horror movies or getting to know Mother Nature.

VICE PRESIDENT



Image of Claire Bryant, Vice President of Black Student Association. The image shows a young woman standing outdoors in a park-like setting. She is centered in the frame, facing the camera, and smiling. The woman has long, braided hair that falls over her shoulders. She is wearing a white t-shirt that reads "chase your light" in cursive script and a patterned skirt that features green and white designs. The background includes green grass, trees with leafy canopies, and a sidewalk that runs behind her. The sky is predominantly clear, and the overall ambiance suggests a sunny day.

Claire Bryant
Claire Bryant is the Vice President of the Black Student Association. She is majoring in Higher Education Administration, with a double minor in Counseling and Educational Psychology and Family Consumer Sciences. She grew up a military child and lived in over 12 states and 1 country overseas. This gave her a love for traveling, the most recent place she traveled to was London, England. She also enjoys going to the farmer’s market, doing yoga, listening to podcasts, and meditating. If Claire isn’t being studious, you can find her watching something that is true crime related; her comfort show is Law & Order: SVU.

SECRETARY/SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING OFFICER



Image of Nate Combs, Secretary/Social Media Marketing Officer of Black Student Association. The image depicts a man standing in front of a large seating area, possibly in a stadium. He is wearing a light purple face mask and glasses with a clear frame. He has short, dark hair and is dressed in an outer garment that is grey and black. The background shows many rows of green seats, mostly empty, with a black banner visible behind the man showing part of a large, white letter "E".

Nate Combs
Hi, I’m Nate Combs and serve as the Secretary and Social Media Marketing for NMSU’s Black Student Association. I am currently a Senior in Exercise Science. I am expecting to graduate in May of 2024! After graduation, I plan on getting my Master’s in Athletic Training. After receiving my MS, ATC, I want to work with the NBA or the NFL. In my free time, I’m playing either Valorant, Sea Of Thieves, or Cyberpunk, hanging out with friends, watching football and basketball, or working on my car. My favorite TV shows are House MD, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Supernatural. My favorite quote is: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

TREASURER



Image of Lauren Smith, Treasurer of Black Student Association. This image shows a close-up of a young woman with braided hair. She is resting against a reddish-brown leather surface, likely a couch. Her hair is styled in long, neat braids that fall over her left shoulder. She has a calm expression on her face, with her gaze directed slightly off to the side. She has smooth, dark skin and is wearing a black top. Her eyebrows are well-groomed and she appears to be wearing minimal makeup, highlighting her natural features. The background is mostly a plain wall with a corner of the couch visible.

Lauren Smith
Hello everybody! My name is Lauren Smith and I am the Treasurer and Fundraising Chair for the Black Student Association. I have lived in Las Cruces my entire life. I am excited to see more of the world after my graduation. I just entered my junior year! I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Public Health. After I complete my undergraduate degree, I hope for a Master’s in Healthcare Administration. My hobbies include listening to music, making monthly playlists, watching true crime, stress baking, and traveling. I will take any chance I get to invite people to our events - and I always say how I remember faces; if I ask you to go and you don’t - I will notice.

RECRUITMENT CHAIR



Image of Nate Combs, Secretary/Social Media Marketing Officer of Black Student Association. The image portrays a young person with long, thick, brown dreadlocks sitting on grass near a large tree trunk. The individual is wearing a light yellow, sheer, and flowy dress. The person has a relaxed, content expression and is sitting with their hands clasped around their knees, which are drawn up loosely in front of them. In the background, there is an expanse of green grass and several leafy trees under a clear blue sky, reflecting a sunny day.

Virginia Phillips
Hello, I’m Virginia Phillips, I am a Junior and my degree is in Fashion Design minoring in Business Law. I am the Recruiter for the Black Student Association and one of the things I love about this team is how caring and sweet everyone is. There’s a sense of community within that makes you feel like family as soon as you step into the door. 🙂