Gov. Scott Walker appointed a new student regent to the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents Friday after a controversial decision in June to reverse his original appointment.
Walker announced Friday his decision to appoint UW-Platteville student Chad Landes to fill the vacant student regent seat, which was previously held by UW-Madison student Katherine Pointer.
In June, Walker appointed UW-Platteville student Joshua Inglett to fill the position, but withdrew Inglett’s name two days later. Many individuals criticized this decision because it came after a conservative website revealed Inglett had signed a petition to recall the governor in 2011.
Associated Students of Madison Chair David Gardner said in a statement released after Walker withdrew Inglett’s appointment that the events highlighted an overly politicized appointment process.
Inglett told Madison TV station WKOW that the governor’s office did not ask about the recall petition until after he was appointed. Inglett said his offer to serve as student regent was withdrawn after he confirmed he had signed the petition.
Landes, an Animal Sciences major, will fill one of two designated student positions on the 18-member Board of Regents. The other is currently held by UW-Parkside student Tracy Hribar.
The Board of Regents establishes rules and policies for the UW System. The regents’ duties include attending the eight yearly meetings and serving on committees within the board.
The Wisconsin state Senate must confirm the appointment before Landes officially becomes the student regent.
