The Student Government Association has chosen two University ofMemphis students to represent The U of M as possible voting membersof the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee HigherEducation Commission.
TBR nominee Michelle Edwards and THEC nominee Meredith Kimmel,SGA vice president, are undergoing a selection process to becomethe voices for more than 151,000 Tennessee college students.
"They are very involved on campus, so they seem to be able towell represent University of Memphis students," said SGA presidentLindsey Gardner, who selected the two candidates. "They are alsovery knowledgeable of the issues facing the Higher EducationCommission."
The SGA at each of the 19 TBR universities selects one studentrepresentative to become TBR student regent for one year. The SGACouncil chooses three nominees for review by Gov. Phil Bredesen,who makes the final selection.
The process is similar for THEC members, except nominationsinclude students from both TBR universities and University ofTennessee schools. Chosen nominees serve two years on THEC.
No U of M student has ever served as student regent or THECmember, Gardner said.
"From what I know, in the past, we have had the name of one ofour nominees sent to the governor as one of the top threecandidates," she said. "That in itself is a big honor."
Student regents and THEC members are able to debate and vote onissues facing Tennessee's college students and faculty at TBR andTHEC meetings.
"Basically, your responsibilities are to offer insight on howstudents feel about certain issues and take issues to the SGACouncil," said Matthew B. Chapman, current student regent fromMiddle Tennessee State University.
"In my position, you make a lot of contacts and meet a lot ofpeople," he said. "It's a great opportunity. But you have toremember why you are there -- to represent your fellow students.(The position involves) a lot of reading and going over thedifferent solutions to the issues students face."
Chapman will vote at the next TBR meeting on proposed changes totenure qualifications, a decision that will affect Tennessee'scollege students, he said.
Continued student enrollment at The U of M was the only majorrequirement for those who applied, Gardner said.
However, many factors will influence Bredesen's final choice forthe two positions. Chapman had some advice for the two U of Mnominees.
"First of all, do research on the Board of Regents. Have aresume prepared. Dress nice for the interviews. Most importantly,be yourself. The SGA Council is looking for someone who understandsstudent issues and student life."
