By Beth Silver
Arizona Daily Wildcat
PHOENIX Ä A Senate panel endorsed the governor's choice for student regent Ä Northern Arizona University student Mark E. Davis Ä Tuesday.
Davis, who told the Senate Education Committee that he will offer a rural student's perspective to the Arizona Board of Regents, was born at Tachikawa Air Base in Japan, grew up in New Mexico and went to high school in Bullhead City.
The NAU marketing major, who holds a 3.6 grade point average, said he and his sister are first-generation college students.
"We are living the dream my parents wanted for us," he told the committee.
Davis works two jobs during the school year as NAU's student government public relations director and as a resident assistant. In the summer he works as a marketing intern.
Paying his way with work, financial aid and scholarships has given him a working-student's insight he plans to take to the regents during tuition talks.
"A lot of students almost expect tuition increases every year. I want to keep them as minimal as possible and match them with financial aid," he said.
Davis said he plans to use an Internet newsletter as well as campus visits to keep in touch with students at the three universities.
"I want to spend time with the normal students on an everyday basis instead of just the people in student government," he said.
Davis was among three applicants submitted by the Arizona Students' Association, a statewide student lobbying organization, to the governor.
"The job isn't as glamorous as it might appear. His enthusiasm and his excitement for getting things done will help him overcome the difficulties and the obstacles that he might face," said incoming Associated Students of the University of Arizona President Ben Driggs, who served as an ASA delegate this school year.
The student regent position rotates every year between the three universities. This year's student regent, Arizona State University student David Tung, will end his term in June.
Davis' confirmation is scheduled to go before the full Senate before the legislative session ends on April 13.
Davis' first board meeting of his one-year term is scheduled for July.