July 31, 2000
New student Regent nominee thrives on education and community service
By Mary Spletter
UC Office of the President
Tracy M. Davis, a Ph.D. student at UCLA whose passion is education and who thrives
on community service, has been nominated as the next student member of the University
of California's Board of Regents.
Davis' nomination, recommended by the Regents' Special Committee to Select a Student
Regent, will be considered by the full board at its September meeting. If approved,
Davis will become student Regent-designate and be able to participate in all deliberations
but not vote until July 2001, when her one-year term as student Regent begins. The
current student Regent is another UCLA graduate student, Justin Fong.
Davis, 27, who is pursuing a doctorate in higher education and organizational change,
was on the fast track toward a production job in television when a chance presentation
to a group of "at risk" students changed the direction of her life.
"Educators help shape lives," she wrote in her application to become student
Regent. "With education playing such an important role in the futures and livelihood
of America's youth, I commit myself to stretching the limits of my potential as an
educator and lifelong learner and enabling students to do the same."
Davis, raised in Seal Beach, Calif., received her undergraduate degree in anthropology
from UCLA. She received the Chancellor's Service Award at graduation. Before deciding
to change her career path, she had worked as a researcher and coordinator for Cable
News Network in Washington, D.C., and New York.
Her current volunteer activities are linked to UCLA's Alumni Association and Graduate
Student Association.
In a paid position as coordinator of student programs at UCLA's undergraduate admissions,
she supervises a staff of 40 students and a volunteer staff of 150 students. Since
1997, Davis has worked as an outreach and admissions officer on campus. She especially
values her opportunity to work directly with students.
At UCLA's Marine Aquatic Center, she serves as a sea kayaking instructor and outdoor
adventure guide.
If approved, Davis will be the 27th student Regent since the position was established
in 1975.
"This will be an exciting time to be a Regent in California," said Davis.
"With the electronic generation at hand and the changing needs of our state,
the next five to 10 years will be a crucial time for the UC system and education
in general."
