An ISU student has been chosen to play an active role on the Iowa Board of Regents, representing all of the regent colleges and universities.

Greta Johnson, junior in political science, was recently chosen by Gov. Chet Culver to be the only student on the Iowa Board of Regents.

The Board of Regents consists of representatives from all three major universities in Iowa, including Iowa State, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa. The Board also includes members from the Iowa School for the Deaf and the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School.

According to Gov. Culver’s Web site, Johnson’s term will begin immediately. The student member’s term expires one year from graduation, unless the member re-enrolls in an Iowa Regent Institution within that one-year period. The student member’s term is subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate.

“The Board of Regents asked me and the GSB president to suggest names to forward to Gov. Culver,” said university president Gregory Geoffroy. “I know three or four names went to the Board office, then Governor Culver makes the final decision.”

All three universities take turns choosing who will represent them for the next term.

“The student representative from UNI graduated, and it was [Iowa State’s] turn to choose the next representative,” Johnson said. “Then when I graduate it will be Iowa’s turn.”

Johnson said the entire process is by nomination. The student government nominates someone, then the university president affirms the application and finally the winning candidate is selected by Gov. Culver.

“It was very exciting [when I found out]. I know it’s a great opportunity and a great experience to include in my college career,” Johnson said.

The position of student representative on the Board of Regents is a rare one. There are only nine members who serve on the board, and only one student who represents all three universities. The chosen student must be very involved and have a good perspective on college life. Certain balanced demographics were also desired of the candidates. The Regents were looking for a female, non-registered Democrat, preferably from the west side of the state — all criteria Johnson met.

She has been involved in many different organizations and clubs on campus and held various positions, including director of government relations for GSB, member of the ISU Wind Ensemble, intern at the Catt Center for Women and Politics, a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, volunteer for Dance Marathon and member of the Student Foundation Committee. She has also been a Cyclone Aide.

Johnson said she hopes what she has learned from these organizations can help her to make informed decisions on all the issues brought up at the Board of Regents meetings. She said she wants to bring student experience to the board.

“I think she was a great choice,” Geoffroy said. “I’ve known her since she first arrived at Iowa State, when she was in the President’s Leadership class I teach. As a sophomore, she became a leader for the class. She has a good background and excellent interpersonal skills. She’ll be a great leader and representative for the students.”

Asked how a student might follow in her footsteps some day, she leaves these words of advice:

“Get involved and always give it your best. You need to have confidence in yourself and a balance between schoolwork, friends and family. Never underestimate yourself.”