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New regent brings student perspective

Christine Palacios, a student for most of her life, was recently put in a position that affects thousands of other students when Gov. Jane Dee Hull appointed her to the Arizona Board of Regents (ABR).

"I don't have experience as an educator, but I have tons of experience as a student," said Palacios, who is currently vice president of Southern Arizona for Southwest Gas.

Palacios received her bachelors and masters degrees in business arts at the University of Utah in her late 20s. That was after a 10-year period when she attended night school while supporting herself through clerical work.

After completing her education, Palacios went to work for the Dial Corp. before eventually moving to Southwest Gas.

Palacios said the different experiences she has had will be beneficial throughout her eight-year term.

"I have a diverse background and I think that I will bring a new perspective (to ABR)," Palacios said.

It was during her time on the Arizona School Facilities Board that Palacios said she believes Hull may have first noticed her. The facilities board was a part of Students First legislation, which aims to change the way Arizona's schools receive their state funding.

"My job was to make sure that the schools met the requirements that were set out for them by the state," Palacios said.

Before her term begins in January, Palacios has to attend orientations at Arizona State and Northern Arizona universities along with having a meeting with University of Arizona President Peter Likins in a few weeks.

"I think she'll do as great a job for the regents as she has for Southwest Gas," said Burke Bennett, director of district operations for Southwest Gas. "She'll be able to handle the human side of the business."

"She doesn't have a hard head and I think that will help."

Hull is also confident that Palacios will be a good regent throughout her term.

"I am delighted to name Christine and Gary (Stuart - the other new regent) as regents. They have proven themselves in my mind and I know they bring wide-ranging expertise and insight to the board," Gov. Hull stated in a press release last month.

While Palacios has little experience in the education area, she is excited.

"Education will play a huge role in all of our future," she said. "I can't imagine anything more important."