Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – Gov. Rick Perry has appointed a Stephen F. Austin State University senior from Dayton as the university's first student regent.

Stephanie Tracy is pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies and certification in elementary education for early childhood through fourth grade. She is vice president of community service for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and a member of Phi Eta Sigma honor society, the Girl Scouts of America and the Lumberjack Marching Band Color Guard. It was the color guard that brought Tracy to SFA.

"I was a member of the color guard at my high school, so I was looking for a school with a strong program in education, and a marching band and color guard," she said. "SFA was fairly close to home and had exactly what I was looking for.".

Legislation passed in 2005 provided for one student member on each public university board of regents, and although Tracy has a history of being active in a variety of extracurricular activities, she is excited about the learning experience her service on the board will offer.

"I am nervous, but thrilled and excited and ready to get started," said Tracy, who hopes ultimately for a career in school administration. "I think the changes and progress under way at SFA are going to be great for the university."

Tracy is the daughter of Sue Tracy of Kansas City, Mo., and Trent Tracy of Houston. She is a 2003 graduate of Dayton High School.

Terms for students appointed to serve as regents at universities throughout the state will expire Feb. 1, 2007. Student regents will not be voting members of the board and will not be counted in determining a quorum.