The Senate Higher Education Committee has recommended confirmation of WSU Student regent Reanne Chilton.
Chilton, appearing at a confirmation hearing Friday, received several positive remarks from the committee, with committee Chair Emily Randall noting Chilton’s “history of service.”
Chilton, a fifth-year student in clinical psychology is currently working towards her Ph.D. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at WSU and represented her Coug peers as the president of the WSU Graduate and Professional Student Association until 2022. She was nominated by Governor Inslee to fill the student regent position, which is designated to provide a student perspective on the WSU Board of Regents.
In her testimony Chilton spoke about growing up in Tri-Cities as a first-generation college student, raised by a single mother who inculcated higher education as her pathway and resourcefulness as a tool for survival. Chilton shared her caregiving experience as she supported her mother during her illness while attending graduate school.
“This was possible because I go to WSU – a university where not only am I receiving excellent training as a future psychologist, but also where I’m seen as a whole human being, part of a large ecosystem with important ties to family and community,” Chilton said. “Because of this I’ve had the opportunity to achieve a level of education no one in my family has before while also getting to be with my mom in her final months.”
The committee recommended approval on a unanimous vote, sending the confirmation to the full Senate for consideration. You can view Regent Chilton’s confirmation hearing below.