Katey McCall, a Lamar University junior, is among 10 student regents Governor Greg Abbott appointed to serve June 1, 2019 until May 31, 2020. It’s only the second time in Lamar University’s history that a student from the university will serve as student regent on the Texas State University System Board of Regents.

“I am honored to be appointed to this position and look forward to being able to give back to our school system and state in this capacity,” said McCall, a graduate of Orangefield High School. “I sincerely appreciate all of the support and encouragement I receive from the excellent faculty and staff at Lamar University.”

McCall, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in political science with a minor in legal studies, applied for the appointment in January. Professors wrote letters of recommendation, and McCall was interviewed for the position. Governor Abbott's office called to confirm her appointment at the end of May.

“This position is important to me because I want to go into politics later in life; I want to represent people in these capacities and help people navigate our government and help them get their ideas and needs out through policies and programs,” said McCall. “On the board, I hope to just really come across with what students want and represent their needs. I really hope to protect their interests.”

McCall will attend quarterly meetings of the Texas State University System Board of Regents as a non-voting member. In preparation for the appointment, she’ll attend two training sessions. The first will be general training in Austin for all student regents, and the second, also in Austin, will be training more specific to her position on the Texas State University System Board of Regents.

“As a student I have a short-term view of what’s going on but faculty, staff and administration see the big-term pictures where the university is going and its needs for the future. I hope to learn and know more about the long-term vision and learn about the university systems and higher education and blend in big-term view and short-term to strike a nice balance.”