Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. appointed former Associated Students of the University of Utah president Ali Hasnain to the Utah State Board of Regents as its one student body representative.

The board is the governing body for the Utah system of higher education and oversees the establishment of policies and procedures, executive appointments, planning, budgeting and proposals for legislation.

“Ali will be very effective in combining his insight as a student and his experience in government to voice the opinions and concerns of his peers in our higher education system,” Huntsman said in a written statement.

Hasnain, a senior in political science and economics, will serve a one-year term and replace U student Gaby Kingery.

“I’m absolutely honored to represent the students of this state on the board,” Hasnain said.

As student body president and head of the Utah University Association last year, Hasnain attended all but one Regents meetings, lobbying for different student-driven purposes including a new recreation center on the U campus.

The UUA consists of all the student body presidents from each university and college in the state.

His first exposure to the Regents was while covering stories for The Daily Utah Chronicle during the 2003 academic year.

After applying for the position, Hasnain interviewed with the UUA, who narrowed the candidates down to three.

He then interviewed with Huntsman, receiving the appointment by letter during the last week of May.

Hasnain wants to continue to attend UUA meetings to stay in contact with the student elect representatives from each institution of higher education.

“I feel it is unique to my position to articulate the voice of the students of the state,” Hasnain said. “One of the best ways of doing that is continually engaging with the elected representatives.”

Hasnain was introduced to the Regents at the June 9 meeting at Snow College and will begin his term July 1.

Maegan Burr

Former ASUU President Ali Hasnain and members of his cabinet attend the April 27 inauguration of the new ASUU administration. Hasnain was recently appointed to the Utah State Board of Regents by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.