May 5, 2003

Michael Nichols Elected As New Student Trustee
By Sherry Fisher

Michael Nichols has been elected a student member of the University's Board of Trustees. His term begins July 1 and is effective for two years.

Nichols, who is from Cromwell, replaces Christopher Hattayer. He will attend his first official meeting on July 22.

A sophomore majoring in political science, with anticipated minors in business administration and human rights, Nichols has been president of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) since May 2002.

He was the first freshman in UConn history to be elected student body president.

The election for student trustee was held April 21 through April 23. About three times as many students voted in this election than in previous ones. There were eight candidates.

"Winning this election says the students thought I did a good job as USG president," Nichols says.

He welcomes his role "to give students a voting voice at the highest level of the administration."

Nichols says he wants to increase student representation on University committees, such as the University Senate and the Parking Advisory Committee; help build a Storrs downtown; and advocate for the priorities of 21st Century UConn projects to be decided in a way that reflects what students want.

The Board of Trustees is the legislative body of the University. Its members include two students and two alumni, who are elected; and two state commissioners - of agriculture and education - who are members ex officio. The other board members are apointed by the governor.