Baker University Center’s grand ballroom resonated with applause as Allison Arnold rose to accept the position as Ohio University’s newest student trustee.
Arnold, a sophomore from Cincinnati studying public relations and political science, is an active member of OU’s chapter of College Republicans. She beat out four other finalists for the two-year term on OU’s governing body, the Board of Trustees.
“I’m so excited — I’m excited to represent the school in this capacity,” Arnold said.
Arnold was chosen following an interview with Gov. John Kasich. She will serve alongside sophomore Danielle Parker, who was selected last year, and replace outgoing trustee and junior Kyle Triplett on the board. Triplett is RSVP’s presidential candidate for Student Senate.
“As a member of the board, (student trustees) bring a unique student perspective but are responsible for the well-being of the entire university,” said OU President Roderick McDavis, who announced the decision at last night’s annual Leadership Awards Gala.
Arnold said she is ready to get to work on the major hurdles OU will face in the coming two years.
“I just think we have a lot of things going on with the budget and quarters-to-semesters,” Arnold said, “…it’s a great year to get involved.”
Finalists for the position included sophomores Zach George, Victoria Calderon, Tiffany Schlein and freshman Allie Dyer.
“Governor John Kasich, who ultimately selects the trustee, had a very strong pool of candidates from which to choose,” McDavis said.
Earlier this month, Arnold cited her ability to communicate effectively as well as her diverse knowledge of people around OU and the state as qualifications. In addition to College Republicans, Arnold works at Café Bibliotech.
Arnold said she supported instituting student trustees voting rights, a move which student leaders have been divided on in the past. At the same time, she said she did not support opening the Budget Planning Council, which makes recommendations to McDavis on budgetary decisions.
“I think the most important things right now are the budget and making a really solid switch, a successful switch, from quarters to semesters.” Arnold said at that time.
The student trustees sit on the 14-member board during its regular meetings in Athens and at OU’s branch campuses. They are the only two members of the board who regularly live in Athens.
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