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News

UH student regent not taking it easy

by ROBYN MORROW
The Daily Cougar

For someone who joined UH-Downtown's Student Government Association to socialize, the new, no-nonsense UH System student regent has come a long way.

Chris Sharpe, UHD SGA president, might have seen the organization as a way to meet people, but once he took office as a senator, he realized the power he had to help his fellow students get the most out of their experiences at UHD.

"I found great satisfaction in being able to better the experience students received while attending UH-Downtown," Sharpe said. "When I heard about the student regent position, I felt there was no better way to help students than to be in a position where I could improve students' academic life across all the universities in the System."

As the recently appointed student regent for the UH System, Sharpe will have the same powers as members of the UH Board of Regents, with the exception of voting and being counted to determine a quorum, or the number of members necessary to begin a meeting.

"The student regent is not a ‘take it easy' position," Sharpe said. "I plan to approach the position in the same manner I have approached my previous positions in student government at UH-Downtown. Through hard work, determination and a good support network, I know I will succeed and represent the UH System in such a way as it brings honor and respect to the position, the board and ultimately the System itself."

In November 2006, Sharpe was approached by UHD administration requesting that he collect at least five applications for the student regent position. 

After Sharpe completed these applications, they were submitted for approval to UHD President Max Castillo. 

Other campuses in the UH System followed the same procedure, Sharpe said.

After UH System Chancellor Jay Gogue reviewed all applications, he sent them to the governor's office in Austin.

Shortly after, Deputy Director of Appointments Coby Shorter called each of the applicants for brief phone interviews, Sharpe said. Gov. Perry then reviewed each application and appointed Sharpe on Feb. 1.

In 2005, Perry enacted legislation requiring each public university board of regents to have a student among its ranks, a news release reported. 

Students serve their respective universities for one year, enabling them to foster leadership skills vital to their futures, Sharpe said.

"One thing that I will gain from this position is being able to be involved and work with other people who are proven leaders," he said. 

"Everyone I have met, and everyone I will be working with, (are) all very successful, hard-working people. It is quite an honor to be serving alongside of these individuals. The experience gained from these interactions will naturally enhance my abilities as both a student and a leader."

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