The Ohio University Board of Trustees filled its second student trustee opening June 25, when Aslyne Rodriguez was appointed to the position by Gov. Bob Taft.
Rodriguez, who was one of about 15 initial applicants and five finalists for the position, was recommended to Taft by Anne Dean, director of boards and commissions for the governor's office. Dean interviewed each of the finalists, who traveled to Columbus together in early June.
The process, which begins with recruitment by Student Senate and concludes with the governor's appointment, has long identified the best candidates for the position, though each finalist was outstanding, said Alan Geiger, assistant to the president and secretary of the board.
This is always a tough choice
and this isn't pandering on my part but I think the process we have which enables Student Senate and the student leaders to go through this
is terrific
he said. The end product is always tremendous. We always get outstanding student trustees.
Upon learning of her appointment, Rodriguez said she was excited and overwhelmed, but said she thrives on positions that demand responsibility.
As a result of a family vacation, though, Rodriguez was away during the initial announcement and did not learn she had been named to the student trusteeship until July 3.
When I got back
I had messages from (student trustee) Dustin Wood
Dr. Geiger and the governor's office
she said. And I thought
'If I didn't get it
that's really mean of them to call me three times.'
She confirmed her appointment with Wood later that day.
Rodriguez succeeds Tara Stuckey, who had filled the position since June 2002. Stuckey graduated last month, though her role with the Board of Trustees has not been forgotten, Rodriguez said.
I haven't had the chance to sit down with Tara
she said, but I've heard that she left huge shoes for me to fill.
I want to know where the board was when she began two years ago
