October Student of the Month

Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is proud to recognize Erin Chavez, a second-year nursing student, as the October 2026 Mountain Lion Student of the Month. She was nominated by Jessica Johnson for her exceptional compassion, leadership, integrity, and commitment to providing outstanding patient care.

The Mountain Lion Student of the Month Award recognizes students who demonstrate the core values of Southeast New Mexico College, including persistence, resilience, respect, resourcefulness, inclusion, integrity, diversity, and excellence. Erin exemplifies these values through her dedication to nursing and her ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

During a recent clinical experience, Erin demonstrated remarkable compassion and professionalism while caring for a patient facing a terminal diagnosis. As the patient navigated difficult decisions regarding treatment and end-of-life care, Erin provided emotional support, recognized and responded to the patient's needs, and advocated for their comfort and dignity.

Throughout this challenging experience, Erin demonstrated the qualities that define an exceptional future healthcare professional. Her ability to combine clinical judgment with genuine empathy reflected both her commitment to her profession and her dedication to treating patients with respect and compassion.
"Erin exemplifies all of the values of SENMC," said Jessica Johnson, who nominated Ms. Chavez for the award. "I am incredibly proud and privileged to work with Erin. The compassion, integrity, resilience, and clinical judgment she demonstrated during this experience reinforced what I already knew: she will become nothing short of an excellent nurse."

Johnson also recognized Erin’s leadership, noting her willingness to advocate for her patient and her courage to take action when it mattered most. Her ability to recognize the needs of others and respond with compassion demonstrates the important role nurses play in supporting patients and their families during some of life's most difficult moments.

As a sophomore in the SENMC Nursing Program, Erin is already demonstrating the professional values, ethical responsibility, and dedication to patient-centered care that will serve her throughout her nursing career.

The Mountain Lion Student of the Month program celebrates students who go above and beyond in their academic pursuits, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to the values of Southeast New Mexico College. Through this recognition, SENMC highlights the outstanding students who contribute to the college community and represent the future of their chosen professions.

Southeast New Mexico College congratulates Erin Chavez on being named the October 2026 Mountain Lion Student of the Month and celebrates her commitment to excellence, compassion, and service to others.