LSBE senior elected chair of U of M Board of Regents Student Representative Committee

Hannah Keil is no stranger to politics.

The LSBE senior human resources and finance major has been involved in the UMD Student Association (SA) since her freshman year. As a junior, she was appointed by SA as UMD's student representative to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. This year, she's not only serving a second term on the Board of Regents Student Representative Committee, but she’s also chairing it.

"Having the opportunity to represent UMD at the Regent level has allowed me to voice student concerns and talk about topics that matter to every University of Minnesota student," said Keil. "I really enjoy being the liaison between students and the Regents."

The Student Representative Committee comprises eight student reps from the University of Minnesota's five campuses. The group meets to discuss issues that are important to students and then presents these findings – along with recommended proposals for improvement – to the Board in the form of a Student Representative's report.

As chair, Keil's primary responsibility is to coordinate development of the report. She also serves as the main point of contact for the Regents Office, determines committee assignments, leads Student Representative Committee meetings, and more.

"Being a Student Representative is a huge responsibility, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to represent students at the Regents level," said Keil.

Corbin Smyth, associate vice chancellor for the UMD Office of Student Life, is advisor of the UMD Student Association. Smyth says Keil’s professionalism, especially in working with high-level administrators and campus leaders, reflects well on the Student Association.

"Student Association members rely on Hannah to be their representative, and she serves them with a grace and professionalism that is not always seen in student leaders," said Smyth.

LSBE is proud to have one of its students serving at such a high level within not only UMD but also the entire University of Minnesota system.