By Kyle Egan
The newly appointed Midwestern Student Regent has her eyes and ears glued to what concerns the student body, including administrative spending.
But she stands firms in her beliefs, holding on to her experience in student government.
Student Government Vice President Holly Allsup has been appointed to serve as the Midwestern State University Student Regent by Governor Rick Perry.
Allsup will serve her term effective June 1, 2012 for one year. She is an intern for the Chamber of Commerce and is currently pursuing a degree in marketing and plans to graduate next fall.
“I believe I am the voice of the students and a leader in all areas of my life, and in everything I do, I strive to do better,” she said. “I’m never content. I always want what’s next.”
Allsup, 22, born and raised in Wichita Falls, presides as president of the Student Senate.
Allsup also serves as the chair of the Traffic Appeals Committee and on the Student Conduct Committee.
She is active in several campus organizations including Alpha Phi, American Advertising Federation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“I like volunteering in any way I can so I can give back,” she said. “I do it because I like helping out. It’s humbling. it pushes me a lot more just to help out as much as I can. Whenever I can volunteer in the community, I do that, because that’s our job to support one another.”
Allsup was ecstatic when she found out the news but had a feeling she might be selected.
“I love politics and I love doing things on campus,” Allsup said. “I thought about it for a while and decided to apply. Governor Perry asked each of us some questions and then three weeks later I got the phone call. I had a smile on my face the entire day!”
Perry is the one who chooses each Student Regent for Texas universities.
Senator Craig Estes, District 30, Wichita Falls, commented on the election of the student regent program.
“I thought it was a great idea,” Estes said. “We started this a couple years back and it allows for students to have a voice, but the students don’t get to pick the student regent. I think the students should decide, but I am very happy for Holly and wish her success.”
She said her stint in student government has given her great training to be a leader.
“I want to be more vocal on what the students on campus want because that it my responsibility,” she said. “As student regent I can give the board the students incite, so my fellow students are happy.”
Allsup said she is familiar with the current views by some students and teachers toward the administration but stands her ground of support.
“I know there have been concerns about the administration and the use of funds, but being a student at MSU, I pay for my own tuition and being in government I know that the funds are necessary to make our campus better,” she said. “The funds have to come from somewhere. We should be happy to be building an even greater campus.”
She doesn’t mind correction and even encourages for others to rate her performance.
“I love constructive criticism, anything that someone says to make me a better person or to do a better job, I’ll take it,” she said.
Current MSU Student Regent and president of the Criminal Justice Honor Society, Linda Aguilera, term is expiring at the end of May.
“When I took the position, friends and family members told me to be slow to speak, even though I am very opinionated,” said Aguilera. “However, I advise the next student regent to speak up.”
“I do however think that the term of office is a bit short. Even board members can attest to the fact that the first two years are a learning process,” she said. “My duties were very minor unfortunately. When I took the position I vowed to be as active as possible, not only with the school but also with the community. I hope that Holly does the same.”
Aguilera’s position on the board was to give incite from the student’s perspective.
She wished more students had voiced their opinion to her specifically to message to the administration.
“As a student Regent, you don’t have the luxury to learn,” said Aguilera. “One must immediately try to understand in order to maximize the effectiveness of one’s term. As a student that is new to the process, it is often difficult to engage.”
She placed her picture and information on the OrgSync page in case any students ever wanted to reach out to her, and was never contacted.
Allsup believes that she will make a difference.
She has no problem voicing her opinion in and out of the boardroom.
“I plan on attending the student government meetings next year for the students,” said Allsup. “A student came to me about the banning of skateboards and I suggested writing a bill to reverse the current law.
Now it is being pushed all the way to the board of regents.
This is one example of how students can make a difference.”
To show Allsup’s dedication to the MSU students she created a blog to update students on current events and what is directly happening with the administration.
“I need for students to tell me their thoughts,” she said. “Students need an outlet and I’m here for them.”
Allsup relayed that the Internet is a great place to share ideas and encourages everyone to log on.
“I want everyone to go to my new blog at hollyallsupmsu.wordpress.com to express their concerns and opinions,” Allsup said. “If you cannot reach me there simply address me on my Facebook and add me as a friend.”