ABOR welcomes newly appointed student regent

University of Arizona student Katelyn Rees is the new member of the Arizona Board of Regents, following an announcement today by Gov. Doug Ducey and pending approval of the Arizona State Senate.

An undergraduate student at the University of Arizona’s W. A. Franke Honors College, Rees is seeking dual Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical engineering and computer science. She begins serving a two-year term on the board as student Regent Nikhil Dave concludes his term.

“I welcome Regent Rees to the board and look forward to the vision, student perspective and expertise she will bring to our work,” said ABOR Chair Lyndel Manson. “Our student regents’ contributions are vital and essential to the board, and we are eager to work together with Regent Rees.”

Rees shared she is looking forward to contributing to the success of the board and the universities. As a student regent, she plans to focus on increasing educational attainment in Arizona and elevating awareness of the value of public higher education.

“As a proud Arizona native and University of Arizona student, becoming the next student regent is the highest honor and a great responsibility,” Rees said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from fellow board members and administration, faculty and students at our universities as I endeavor to contribute to a bright future for our students and our state.”

An engineering ambassador for the UArizona College of Engineering, she represents engineering through college fairs, seminars and tours while encouraging students of all socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue engineering. She is a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, honored for her outstanding achievements in engineering.

Rees has consistently been named to the UArizona College of Engineering dean’s list and was named a National Advanced Placement Scholar in high school as well as student of the year in statistics, English and chemistry.

Rees’ first year on the board will be served as a non-voting member. The governor appoints eight people in staggered eight-year terms to the board as well as two student regents who serve staggered two-year terms with the first year as a non-voting member.