DENTON, Texas — Ethan Gillis, a senior at the University of North Texas (UNT), has been appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to serve as the student regent on the UNT System Board of Regents. Gillis will hold the position for a one-year term, ending on May 31, 2025.
In his role, Gillis will represent the interests of students from all institutions within the UNT System, participating in board meetings and contributing to the governance of the system. UNT System Chancellor Michael R. Williams expressed his congratulations, highlighting the importance and honor of the student regent role. “The role of the student regent is both a profound responsibility and a distinct honor, and will provide Ethan the unique opportunity to amplify student voices and contribute meaningfully to the governance of our entire System,” Williams said.
Gillis is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Brand Strategy, with minors in journalism and psychology, as well as a certificate in event management at UNT. The student regent position is open to all undergraduate and graduate students within the UNT System, and candidates are nominated through the student government before being forwarded to the governor by the chancellor for final appointment.
Laura Wright, Chair of the Board of Regents, also congratulated Gillis on his appointment. “We are excited to work with Ethan and have his input on how we can continue to make our system a leader in higher education for all of our students,” Wright said.
Gillis has been active in various leadership roles at UNT, including serving as director of the Student Alumni Association and as a senator for the Student Government Association. He has received the Golden Eagle Award at UNT and is involved in the Denton community through the Denton Historic Landmark Commission and volunteer work with the Denton Public Library. With a family connection to UNT through his mother, a former student, Gillis is dedicated to enhancing student awareness of the UNT System and committed to representing his peers.
“I am incredibly excited regarding this opportunity. It is the honor of a lifetime to be appointed to this role and to have the opportunity to serve students across our System,” Gillis stated. “I look to ensure that students across the UNT System feel seen, heard, and valued. My goal is to do everything in my power to make sure that the voices of these students find their way to the Board of Regents.”