Governor Bill Lee has selected former TCAT Upper Cumberland Student Makena Davis to serve as the student representative on the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Davis recently graduated from TCAT after completing the cosmetology program. Davis said she serves as a voting member on the board and represents the interests of students across all institutions.
“I feel like students are very heard at our institutions,” Davis said. “Just some may be a little shy to come up to our members and staff of the school, and so I just represent that student. That they can come to another student and tell their opinion.”
Davis said the board will count on her for student perspectives on different ideas and issues. Davis said one of the ideas she has already pitched is study abroad opportunities for students.
“I think that is just an amazing opportunity for all students, really, to learn different things and different cultures,” Davis said. “I think it’s amazing what opportunities can be held at the TBR institutions around Tennessee.”
Davis will serve as the student representative for a one-year term. Davis said she hopes to gain valuable experience and one day serve on the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology.
“I have such passion for my trade,” Davis said. “I absolutely love what I do, and I think that if I can sit on that board, that I can bring that passion and show people that I have it and represent it better while sitting on the board.”
Davis said even though she is a student representative, she feels respected by the fellow board members.
“They are fabulous,” Davis said. “I get to work with such a wonderful board. All the members are very intelligent, and I’m just honestly blessed that I get to sit in on the meetings and that they accept my voice. It’s just amazing.”
Davis credited TCAT UC Cosmetology Instructor Katina Elmore for not only nominating her to be a student representative but also helping her get to where she is today.
