Gov. Abbott appoints Steeley Smith to serve as Texas Tech University System student regent

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Steeley Smith of Mason as the 2023-24 student regent for the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents.

According to a news release from the system, Smith is a Texas Tech University graduate student pursuing a master's in Agribusiness at the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources.

She also earned two other degrees from the university as well — a bachelor's in Agricultural Communication in 2021 and a master's in Media and Mass Communications in 2022.

During her time at Tech, Smith was named on the President's and Deans list, was a Mortar Board member and was named "Top 10 Freshman" during her first year.

While serving as sales manager for The Agriculturist — Davis College's student publication — Smith received national honors in feature writing and student publication.

“Steeley is driven, ambitious and hard-working – all characteristics that will serve her well as the student regent,” said TTU President Lawrence Schovanec. “Her involvement as a student at Texas Tech and experience working in various government and public service offices will greatly benefit Steeley in this role. I am pleased she has been appointed to the Board and expect she will find much success representing the viewpoints of our diverse student bodies.”

After graduating summa cum laude with a Master of Arts degree and spending a year at Tech's School of Law, Smith became heavily involved in numerous activities, according to the system.

Smith currently serves as the coordinator for the Government & Public Service Internship Program at Tech where she oversees networking and business development with the State and U.S. Capitol.

She has served as a public policy intern for now-retired U.S. Rep. Michael Conaway, R-Midland, as well as a campaign assistant for U.S. Rep Jodey Arrington, R-Lubbock.

“The student regent position ensures a voice for our students as the Board of Regents discuss and consider issues that affect our student population of approximately 63,000 students across the five universities of the Texas Tech University System,” said Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell, chancellor of the TTU System. “On behalf of our system, I’d like to congratulate Steeley on her appointment and welcome her as our next student regent.”

Her appointment comes after the previous student regent — Hani Michael Annabi of the TTU Health Sciences Center — term ended in May.

Smith's one-year term as the 18th student regent will begin immediately with her first board meeting set for Aug. 10 and 11 in Lubbock.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Gov. Abbott names Steeley Smith next Texas Tech System student regent