Shah is a third-generation Indian American.
By Deepak Chitnis
WASHINGTON, DC: Asit Shah, an Indian-origin college student in Texas has begun his term as a state-appointed Student Regent for the University of Houston system of schools.
Shah, who was originally appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry on April 22, assumed his position as Student Regent on June 1 but was only officially sworn in at Tuesday’s Board of Regents meeting. His term will last for one year, and will end on May 31, 2015. Shah is replacing outgoing Student Regent Benjamin Wells, who was appointed in 2013 and whose term came to an end last month.
In his new role as Student Regent, Shah will serve on the Board’s Academic and Student Success Committee, and Facilities, Construction and Master Planning Committee, according to the University of Houston.
“A student regent has the same powers and duties as the members of the board of regents of the system, including the right to attend and participate in meetings of the board of regents, except that the student regent: (1) may not vote on any matter before the board or make or second any motion before the board; and (2) is not counted in determining whether a quorum exists for a meeting of the board or in determining the outcome of any vote of the board,” the school’s bylaws state.
Shah will also not be paid for his time as the school’s Student Regent, but will be fully compensated for any and all expenses he incurs while carrying out the duties of the job.
“More than anything, I am excited to serve UH System students in this capacity,” said Shah, in a statement. “My grandfather immigrated to the U.S. from India back in the 1970s to pursue graduate studies in civil engineering at UH. Now, I am here. This opportunity is a way for me to give back to the UH System and to help create a bright future for generations to come.”
As a student of the University of Houston, Shah is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is a third-generation student of the school, as both his grandfather and his mother attended the University. Shah’s younger sister is also expected to being classes at the University of Houston this upcoming fall.
In addition to being University of Houston’s Student Regent, he is enrolled in its Honors College, was previously a member of the Undergraduate Admissions Review Committee – which, as the name suggests, helps oversee admissions standards for applicants to the school – and is part of the Honor’s Advocates volunteer group.
“We’re excited to have Mr. Shah join us on the board,” said University of Houston Board of Regents Chairman Jarvis V. Hollingsworth, in a statement. “Our Student Regents have always done a fantastic job. He already is asking hard questions on behalf of the students, and that is the perspective we expect. Student Regents should keep the board aware and cognizant that our decisions impact students throughout the system. So far, he is doing just that.”