For the first time in the history of UNM, a student-regent has been appointed as chair of a standing committee of the Board of Regents.
Andrea Cook, who was selected by Gov. Bill Richardson as student-regent in January, was appointed by newly elected board President James Koch as chairwoman of the Student Academic Affairs Committee during the UNM Regents meeting Aug. 12.
"I am extremely excited," Cook said. "I didn't expect it at all because it is really unprecedented."
Cook, who was president of the Associated Students of UNM for the 2001-02 academic year, is currently pursuing her master's degree in business administration.
"Being a regent so far has been a great experience," she said. "As a student I learn more and more about the great things UNM is doing. It gives me a sense of value of the education I have received and continue to receive here."
Regent President Koch said he expected the appointment to surprise some people.
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"It was really a simple choice, though, for a number of reasons," Koch said. "Andrea has been to more regent functions than any other regent. She is so knowledgeable about the University that there was really no other choice."
As chairwoman of the Student Academic Affairs committee, Koch said that Cook will be dealing with faculty, students, setting agendas with Provost Brian Foster and reporting to the main body of the New Mexico State Legislature.
Cook said that with a new president of the University, Louis Caldera, there are many vital changes that could impact UNM for the years to come.
"We need to sit down as regents and devise a plan and tactics to tackle the issues that will impact the students in the years to come," Cook said.
