Both the Undergraduate Student Government president and the state’s student regent position come with a large amount of responsibility, and for the first time one student may hold both positions at once.
Gov. Jan Brewer announced last Monday that she selected USG presidential candidate Tyler Bowyer to serve as the newest student regent, causing controversy for several reasons.
The main objection was that Brewer broke tradition and sidestepped the student recommendations for the position. After an application process, the student governments of a university recommend three students for the governor to choose from, but Bowyer did not apply through this process.
Additional questions were raised over whether or not one student is permitted to hold both positions at once.
No official rules exist in the governing documents of the USG or the Arizona Board of Regents that would prohibit Bowyer from accepting both positions should he win the USG election on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Members of the Arizona Students’ Association said it is unclear what the impact would be if this were to happen.
Bowyer said he feels having one student in both positions would actually benefit the student body.
“I think it would only ensure a job well done here at ASU,” he said. “It would also advocate a knowledgeable and active form of leadership, which is something that we’ve been lacking in recent years.”
Bowyer said he is confident he can handle the responsibilities of both positions and would effectively advocate for students.
“I’ve worked full-time, even two jobs and more than full-time, while going to school,” he said. “I’m more than capable of handling both positions.”
Reach the reporter at keshoult@asu.edu
