Governor Perry to Appoint Student Regent

Attention all service minded Sam Houston State University students: Texas Governor Rick Perry may have just the job for you. But competition for the position is expected to be strong.

On Feb. 1, 2006, in accordance with a measure passed by the 79th Texas Legislature, Governor Perry will appoint a student to a one year term on the board of regents that governs Sam Houston State University and eight other colleges and universities.

Only one student regent will be selected from the nine institutions.

The student regent will represent the views of students from the higher education institutions, but will not be allowed to vote, make or second motions, or be included in the count to establish a quorum.

The student regent may serve on special commissions, task forces and committees and will be expected to participate in required regent activities including orientation sessions conducted by the governor's office and the higher education coordinating board.

The student regent will receive a per diem expense allowance and be reimbursed for expenses incurred for attendance of meetings of the board, its committees, other official university events and conferences where travel is approved for board members.

Good bookkeeping ability will not be a requirement, but could be an asset. The student regent will be required to file an annual personal financial statement with the Texas Ethics Commission and abide by Texas laws applicable to board service, including state ethics laws.

"This will be a very difficult extra-curricular activity," said Frank Parker, interim vice president for student services. "Not every student will have the time and/or organizational ability to do it and maintain their academic progress as well."

For those undergraduate or graduate students who feel they can handle the job, however, the selection process is under way.

Those wishing to apply can pick up the necessary forms in the vice president for student services office in room 303 of the Lowman Student Center. Completed applications will be turned in there and forwarded to the president's office by Oct. 14.

Applicants will have his/her academic, financial and disciplinary standing verified by the registrar and appropriate student services administrator as well as a criminal records check completed through the university police.

Those applying will be asked for the names of three references, including one faculty member. They will also be required to submit an essay of not more than 250 words explaining interest in serving on the board and issues the applicant wishes to address as a board member.

Applicants will want to keep in mind one statement made in the application materials.

"Preference will be given to applicants who are residents of the State of Texas and who have a general knowledge of the functions of the board of regents," the statement says. "Student regent applicants must have a strong desire to represent all university students within their respective system/institution."

After the required verifications are made, a selection committee will forward the names of five individuals to the president's office. Material on the recommended students, with names and institutions removed, will be forwarded to the system chancellor, who will forward two or more applications to the governor's office.

The governor's appointment secretary will be given the names and institutions of the students nominated by the chancellor. The governor will make the appointment Feb. 1, but is not required to appoint an applicant recommended by the chancellor.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents includes Angelo State University, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, Lamar State College-Port Arthur, Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Sul Ross State University, Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande College and Texas State University-San Marcos.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Sept. 8, 2005
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