Tyson Voelkel, a 1998 Texas A&M University graduate and master’s degree student in the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M, was one of 10 individuals appointed by Governor Rick Perry in February to serve one-year terms as student Regents for their respective university systems.
Tyson
Voelkel participated in his first meeting as student Regent in March. (Photo
courtesy of The Battalion.)
Here, Tyson reflects on his new duties and life as a student member of the A&M System’s governing board.
Why do you think it’s important for students to be represented on the Board of Regents?
There are a myriad of reasons why I believe it is important to have a student represented on the Board of Regents.
Rather than list the top five or 10 I will stick to just one: Student education is the primary mission of the A&M System. Students are the reason for the System and I believe that every agency and university should have students’ needs as a primary driver for decisions.
Our national security, economy, health care system and political system are driven by the quality of the graduates produced by our universities. I think it is strategically important to have students involved in decision making at all levels within the System and especially the Regent level.
What is the process for selection?
The president of each university forwards nominations to the Governor’s Office each fall for consideration. The governor appoints student Regents just as he does other members of the Board. Student members serve one-year terms, and ours will end Feb. 1, 2007.
Do you have all the same rights and privileges as other Regents?
Like the other Regents, I address issues and policies affecting the A&M System, but I don’t have a vote and my presence is not counted to determine a quorum.
What was your reaction to being selected?
I was surprised and humbled. I wanted to serve because I saw the role as an opportunity to give back.
As an officer in the U.S. Army, I believe strongly in giving back to my country and this value has carried over to my views about my time as a graduate student at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. I view the opportunity as one that I should not squander and plan to make an impact where I can.
What are you most looking forward to as a student Regent? What do you hope to accomplish in your one-year term?
Making an impact for the students of this great System. First, I would like to increase student involvement in decision processes of our universities. Second, I plan to place more emphasis on student-led initiatives on our campuses on energy conservation and awareness. Third, I look forward to voicing the concerns of our System to our elected officials at the state and federal level to effect some real change.
I plan to do this while setting a standard for future student Regents and establishing procedures so the transition is seamless and the learning curve decreased.
You participated in your first Board meeting in March. What was it like?
My first Board meeting felt like I was ‘drinking from a fire hose.’ The amount of information to process and understand was incredible. I actually joked with some of the Regents that we should make a motion to rename the meetings “board rodeos” because I felt like I had been thrown off a bull by the end of each evening.
It gave me a real appreciation for the System employees, agencies and university administrators who must have spent days preparing the information and briefings. We covered a myriad of issues over the three days and I was singularly impressed with the effort put forth by all involved in the process.
I came away with an appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes every day that the student body does not witness. The A&M System is one of the largest and best in the nation for a reason—people care about students and about the System’s future.
Other boards around the state also have added student Regents. Have you met with your counterparts? What are some of the common issues you all face?
The other student Regents and I met to discuss issues, systems for communication and solutions to common problems. The meeting was held at the University of Texas Board of Regents office and hosted by the U.T. System student regent. The meeting was a real home- run event in which we were able to share ideas and visions for the role of student regent.
I communicate with some of the other student regents regularly and will be hosting the U.T. student regent in April. We plan to discuss issues that are of similar concern to our two systems and possible solutions.
I believe that collaboration is key to developing successful programs within higher education. I think that often we reinvent solutions to problems that others may have already solved.
What is your favorite part about being a student Regent so far?
The free meals . . . just kidding! I have enjoyed learning about our great System specifically and getting to know the leaders. I have met representatives from each of the universities and agencies and am impressed with the breadth and depth of our System’s initiatives and charter.
The employees are pushing the System into the future and it is satisfying as a student to see such dedication. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to participate in the System’s growth and evolution. I also think Texans should be grateful for the services, research, training and initiatives of the A&M System.
What, if anything, has been most surprising to you about the A&M System or the Board of Regents so far?
I have been pleasantly surprised with the competence and candor that the Board members exhibit, especially during closed executive sessions. These men and women care about the A&M System’s students, employees and the future with a conviction that cannot be matched.
I have also been surprised at how quickly I was accepted. They made me feel as if I had been a member for years.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I am interested in learning as much as possible about the issues and concerns of our System and look forward to the next year. Students should feel free to send publications, suggestions and ideas to me at Student-Regent@tamu.edu.