Houston: Indian-origin student Asit Shah has been appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry as University of Houston’s new Student Regent to serve a one year term.

As Student Regent, Shah will serve on the Board’s Academic and Student Success Committee, and Facilities, Construction and Master Planning Committee.

Shah, replaces outgoing Student Regent Benjamin Wells, whose term recently expired.

“The University of Houston System is growing and continuously meeting new benchmarks,” Shah said.

“My primary focus will be to continue supporting the growth of the System institutions and to support initiatives that strengthen student success.”

Shah is majoring in both finance and supply chain management.

He also is a student in the University’s Honours College.

At UH, he is a member of the Energy Association and a co-coordinator for the Honor’s Advocates, a volunteer organisation that recruits and welcomes new students to UH’s Honours community.

He also has served on the Undergraduate Admissions Review Committee.

“More than anything, I am excited to serve UH System students in this capacity,” he said.

“My grandfather immigrated to the U.S. from India back in the 1970s to pursue graduate studies in civil engineering at UH. Now, I am here. This opportunity is a way for me to give back to the UH System and to help create a bright future for generations to come.”