Patton appoints Hyland to council
By Fred Shank
Contributing Writer
Political Science senior Wendy Hyland was appointed student representative to the Kentucky Council on Higher Education by Governor Paul Patton.The Council on Higher Education is a non-legislative commission comprised of 18 citizens from throughout the state.It is designed to govern the eight public universities in the state by setting regulations and approving funding for them.
Hyland's first meeting with the council is Nov. 10th, when the discussion tentatively will revolve around the Commission on Education's report on high school restructuring and equal opportunity at state universities.
"My responsibility is to provide the student's perspective to the council," Hyland said.
Student Government Association President Alan Aja has worked closely with Hyland because of her service on his cabinet as Executive Director.
He believes Governor Patton made the right choice in selecting her.
"Wendy will be able to relate to the council because of her professionalism and maturity. I think that with her tools, she will be able to convey what is best for the students in Kentucky," Aja said.
Hyland, who is also a member of Alpha Delta Pi social sorority, understands being a representative is not her chance to pursue a personal agenda, but an opportunity to be a voice for the students.
"This is not about me. This is about the future of higher education in Kentucky," Hyland said.
"I want to know how the students feel about the issues and what we (the council) can do to improve things."
As a voice for the students, Hyland said she hopes to bring a new slant to the council that will look at each university and its programs from a broader perspective.
The opportunity to work for and assist in shaping the future of Kentucky universities excites Hyland. She said she sees this moment in time as a real opportunity for change in Kentucky higher education.
"Governor Patton has said higher education is a priority in his administration and I think there are going to be some exciting changes," said Hyland.
Hyland's appointment concludes a long and thorough search for a student representative.
Each student body president of a Kentucky state university nominated three individuals each thought would be good at the job.
Then the Board of Student Body Presidents, through popular consensus, narrowed the field to three for Patton to choose from.
Former SGA President Shea Chaney was also one of the three finalists. The third finalist was an undergraduate student from the University of Louisville.
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