Application deadline for student regent coming up

The application deadline for the position of student regent on the Southeast Missouri State Board of Regents is Friday.

Kevin Magnan's two-year term on the seven-member board expires Jan. 1, but he'll serve until Gov. Jay Nixon appoints a new student regent.

As of Wednesday, seven people had expressed interest in the position. Magnan said he was hoping for at least five more. "I think this week we'll get a good amount of applications. When I went through the process, there were 10 to 13 applications," he said.

Magnan said he's "absolutely treasured" being a student regent.

"It's been an invaluable experience in my life. Being a young person on a college board is relatively uncommon. ... I've gained a lot of confidence, experience and knowledge. I'm very grateful for it," he said.

Before applying, Magnan said he wasn't familiar with the board of regents and wasn't sure what to expect. "What I saw were six individuals with extremely busy lives, extremely prominent lives caring deeply about the university," he said.

To apply for the spot, individuals must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student; have two more academic years remaining at Southeast; be a Missouri resident; and be well-informed and have a clear understanding of the university's mission, structure, programs, student body and current issues, according to university information.

Those interested can obtain an informational packet from Campus Life & Event Services and return it with a resume and cover letter by Friday, the information said. A three-person panel -- Magnan, student government president Benny Dorris and the adviser to student government, Michele Irby -- will interview the candidates Tuesday and Wednesday.

The committee will select three students, and their names will be sent to Nixon's office. After the governor chooses the student regent, the candidate will meet with the Senate Committee for Governor Appointments. The committee will approve it, and the name will go to the Senate floor for approval, along with other appointments, Magnan said.

Magnan, who grew up in St. Louis and moved to Festus, Mo., a few years ago, earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice-law enforcement and plans to graduate in May with a master's degree in criminal justice. He hopes to go into law enforcement.

Pertinent address:

1 University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, Mo.