Contact: Anthony P. de Bruyn or Michael L. Warden, (512) 499-4363

Date: February 3, 2006

UT System Statement

Statement by Chairman James R. Huffines on the Appointment of
Brian J. Haley, First Student Named by Governor Perry to the
UT System Board of Regents

AUSTIN – James R. Huffines, chairman of The University of Texas System Board of Regents, issued the following statement today (February 3) regarding the appointment of Brian J. Haley, a first year law student at The University of Texas at Austin, to the UT System Board of Regents. Governor Rick Perry appointed Haley and nine other students to the higher education governing boards across the state.

Statement from Chairman Huffines:

“I want to congratulate Brian Haley on his appointment as a member of the UT System Board of Regents. This is a significant milestone in the governance of the UT System and for higher education in our state. I applaud all of Governor Perry's appointees and thank him for making this a priority for his administration.

“The goal of having a student regent has been discussed and debated since I was a student at The University of Texas at Austin. I was a supporter then and I remain one today. I am delighted to be the Chairman who welcomes the first UT System student to the Board of Regents. This is an historic moment and I am proud to be part of it.

“All of us look forward to Brian's full participation in next week's meetings.”

The UT System is one of the nation's largest higher education systems with 15 campuses, including nine academic and six health institutions, and an annual operating budget of $9.6 billion (FY 2006). Student enrollment exceeds 184,000 in the 2005 academic year. The UT System confers one-third of the state's undergraduate degrees and educates three-fourths of Texas health care professionals. With more than 76,000 employees, the UT System is one of the largest employers in Texas.

Office of the Governor: News release on the appointment of Brian J. Haley

Statement from Brian J. Haley

Photograph of Brian J. Haley

UT System Board of Regents website