51ĀŅĀ×

51ĀŅĀ× sophomore Austin McClain has been appointed as 51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s next student trustee by Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

McClain, of Canton, Ohio, is studying business economics and entrepreneurship. He will represent the student body for a two-year term on 51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s Board of Trustees.

ā€œItā€™s important for all voices on 51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s campus to be heard by the Board of Trustees, and Austin will play a crucial role in helping that happen,ā€ 51ĀŅĀ× President M. Duane Nellis said. ā€œThe Universityā€™s model of shared governance, from the various senates on campus to student, faculty and alumni involvement with the Board of Trustees, is crucial to capitalizing on the broad diversity of ideas and perspectives that permeate 51ĀŅĀ×.ā€

McClain was announced during 51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s Leadership Awards Gala held Wednesday night. He is a member of the Ralph and Luci Schey Sales Centre.

ā€œI was interested in serving as a student trustee because I love 51ĀŅĀ× so much, and having an opportunity to give back to this University in such a meaningful way means a lot to me,ā€ McClain said after the announcement. ā€œI would like to have more students know about the resource of a student trustee and for that resource to be better used. I also want to be as helpful as I can possibly be in addressing issues that present themselves in the future.ā€

Board of Trustees Chair Janetta King congratulated McClain on his appointment and said that student trustees play an important role within the University community.

ā€œStudent trustees supply a vital link between the 51ĀŅĀ× community and our Board,ā€ King said. ā€œTheir daily interaction with students, faculty and numerous other campus stakeholders help to enhance all trusteesā€™ understanding of matters concerning the University.ā€

The Board of Trustees includes two students as ex-officio members, each on a staggered two-year term. McClain replaces outgoing Board member Brooke Mauro and joins current student trustee, Faith Voinovich, a junior chemical engineering major.