By
Eric Swedlund
Arizona Daily Wildcat
NAU's Myrina Robinson also focuses on advising, faculty retention
PHOENIX - NAU political science junior Myrina Robinson plans to focus on expanding student involvement on campus and increasing the quality of academic advising when she takes her seat on the Arizona Board of Regents.
"My main goal is to get more of the student perspective in the decision-making process of our university system," Robinson stated in an e-mail interview. "There are many students within our university system that are eager to be listened to and to see their factually sound proposals implemented."
After Senate confirmation last week, Robinson will begin her one-year term in July, taking over the seat of Arizona State University student Mary Echeverria.
"I am very impressed with Myrina," Echeverria said. "She is very articulate and has participated in a number of diverse activities over her tenure in school thus far that I know have prepared her for this next year.
"I have no doubt that she will do very well, and am honored to have her as my representative."
University of Arizona law student Matt Meaker is the first student chosen to serve a two-year term under a state law passed last year. Meaker's first year will be as a non-voting "apprentice," and he will be a voting member during his second year.
"The role of the student regent is to be the voice and presence for the three universities' student body," Robinson said. "Having two student regents working together will be dynamic."
Robinson said her involvement on the Northern Arizona University campus has prepared her well to serve as a regent.
"I was very intrigued by the broader scope of public service the position offers," Robinson said. "I am now able use my inclusive, realistic beliefs to bring about positive, constructive, consistent and lasting change to our university system."
Primary issues for Robinson are quality advising, more state and federal funding to keep tuition "as free as possible," and increased pay aimed at retaining quality faculty.
"Student leaders of Arizona need to get together and exercise more of their persuasive power to let other students know that their vote/participation does matter and ultimately destroy the political apathy that is rampant in our university system," Robinson said.
Robinson said being available to listen to students will be a key to her success as a regent.
"I hope to meet at each university with Regent Meaker to identify three issues to be worked on and improved, and or resolved by the end of my term according to members of the university - especially the student body," Robinson said.
Student input is necessary for ABOR to set forth sound policies and decisions, Robinson said.
"I believe the board has done well, but as a realist I see the need for improvement and I hope to be a part of the solution and not the problem," Robinson said. "However, I would like to see more accountability measures such as surveys on topics, such as the quality of residence halls, advisement, overall university experience... included in the decision-making process as the data is critical for ABOR to provide proper policy guidance."
After graduation, Robinson said she hopes to teach English in Japan before returning to school for a law degree and master's in political science. Ultimately, she wants to serve in the U.S. Senate.
"I hope to contribute to the board's success by having a fresh outlook, working hard and giving of my unique experiences to bring about positive change," Robinson said.
