Column: Who are the Regents?
Ryan Berryman | October 27As a Freshman at the University of New Mexico, I wouldn’t have been able to explain who the regents are. After making a presentation this past week to Emerging Lobo Leaders, an engaging and diverse group of talented young students, I found that many students are as unaware of who the Regents are as I once was. The Board of Regents at the University of New Mexico are assembled of seven members appointed by the Governor of New Mexico. The Board has the power to govern the University, including the fiduciary responsibility for the assets and programs of the University, the establishment of goals and policies to guide the University, and the oversight of the functioning of the University (regents.unm.edu). The Board vests the responsibly of operation and management in the President of the University, Dr. Robert G. Frank. So, why is this important? Because the Regents have been entrusted by the New Mexico Constitution to guide the state’s flagship institution, we address issues that affect the entire campus community. An example may provide further clarification. In September, the Regents approved a resolution for $35M worth of bonds to renovate Johnson Center. This renovation is much needed and affects all parties on campus, including administration, faculty, staff and students. In this scenario, the board’s approval is the first step in a succession of approvals that are required for a new and improved Johnson Gym.
