Ohio Gov. John Kasich has named a new undergraduate student trustee to the Kent State University Board of Trustees.

Carly Evans, a junior public relations major, will serve a two-year term on the board, according to a June 17 university news release. She replaces recent Kent State graduate Perry “PJ” Kimmel.

The selection comes following a university-wide search by the Student Trustee Search Committee, headed by Kimmel.

As a representative of the undergraduate student body, Evans hopes to bring the concerns of her peers to the governing body of the university.

“One of the things that I’m looking forward to in this new position is making sure that Kent State students feel prepared for life after graduation,” she said. “With the rising amount of student debt, it’s important that students are making those connections to get jobs in their fields of study.”

In the past two years of Evans’ Kent State career, she has been active in student involvement activities like the Black United Students organization and Sister Circle, as well as roles like a Flashguide and peer leader, according to the news release.

As a representative of the undergraduate student body, Evans holds one of two positions on the 12-member board designated to students. Jennifer Bryant, a public health graduate student and 2011 alumna, is the current graduate student trustee.

All members of the board are appointed to their positions by the governor of the state; Kasich. Each trustee—excluding the students and national positions—serves a nine-year term, according to Kent State’s website.

Evans’ position as undergraduate student trustee will expire on May 16, 2018.

Alex Delaney-Gesing is the administration reporter, contact her at [email protected].