Governor Names CWU Senior from Marysville to Central's Board of Trustees

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -Gov. Chris Gregoire has appointed Central Washington University senior Rebecca Neighbors, from Marysville, Wash., to a position on the university´s board of trustees for the 2007-08 academic year. She becomes the tenth student selected to serve on Central´s governing board.

A biology major at CWU, Neighbors, 21, describes herself as a diligent, enthusiastic and dedicated student who is passionate about Central and what it has to offer current and prospective students. She is excited about the opportunity this position will give her to assist in the development and progression of CWU.

"I´ve been an active student in the College of the Sciences for the past three years," she says. "Higher education is an opportunity I feel all students should have equal access to. Access should not be denied because of financial abilities or lack thereof."

Attending college was a big dream for Neighbors, one she has been able to realize through hard work and dedication. She worked up to three jobs at a time to support her academic endeavors. Having lived in both on- and off-campus housing and worked both on and off campus, Neighbors feels she can confidently understand the perspective of all student populations.

"As the student representative, it´s my job to articulate the view of nearly 10,000 students as I represent all of the citizens of the state of Washington," Neighbors says. "I´m excited about the opportunity to present the diverse needs and concerns of all of my constituents. My perspective as a working student will make me a very valuable board member."

A 2004 graduate of Marysville-Pilchuck High School, Neighbors was a member of the National Honor Society and served as president and vice president of her school´s Future Business Leaders of America chapter.

The Washington state Legislature authorized a student seat on the governing bodies of the state´s six public universities and college. Each student trustee serves a one-year term on the board. They are considered full-voting members on all issues, with the exception of personnel matters.

Contact: Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, olint@cwu.edu, 509-963-1416