Story by Alicia Steele, Assistant News Editor

Katherine Farmer, director of the Curriculum Materials Center, Education Research and Instruction Librarian and vice president of the Faculty Senate has been named the next Faculty Regent.

“I was the only one who signed up, so the election was more like a formality,” Farmer said.

Throughout the month of March the Faculty Senate asked for nominations for Faculty Regent. Anyone who wishes to run for Faculty Regent must turn in a petition with 15 faculty members signature.

Farmer said the main requirement to become Faculty Regent is the candidate must be an assistant professor or higher in rank.

She said she hopes to continue the work of Martin Jacobs and uphold the policy of shared governance between faculty, staff, students and administration.

“And to be a voice for the faculty in this era of difficult times with the budget situation,” Farmer said. “And to also be a voice for the goals of the university.”

Farmer said the goals of the university include the strategic plan, keeping academic excellence and being very student-centered.

“Those are some of my goals in life,” Farmer said. “I’m all about helping the students in making sure they succeeded and find their place.”

Farmer said taking on the extra responsibility of Faculty Regent is going to be a lot of hard work, but she said she is “purely ready to go.”