Being a student trustee is a unique role, one that for many is a great mystery. With the role being open for application ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, many students may wonder what exactly the position of student trustee entails.
The current student trustee, Ashlynn Tibbot, was appointed to her role by the governor. The job is a big responsibility, and Tibbot manages to navigate the role of both student and employee by “seeing things from all levels in terms of how our decisions impact people of all backgrounds.”
Tibbot credits her unique lens as both a student and employee as the reason she is able to gain a better perspective. Whether it be interacting with student employees who these big decisions impact, experiencing the restrictions in place for people in high-administrative levels and managing to balance the needs of the community at Western while also tackling the economic crisis of our state, Tibbot says that she gets to wear two different hats and learn how to manage them both.
Tibbot said coming into her role was similar to that of “drinking through a fire hose.” Tibbot explained that as student trustee, you are given a lot of information very quickly, and that you have to adapt quickly.
Some of the qualities Tibbot said a student should have in order to be considered for the role included professionalism, as well as neutrality.
“I have to make sure that my interests represent that of the board,” she said.
Tibbot said she has learned a great deal since she’s taken up her position as student trustee. A big inspiration for her is Rebecca Hansen-Zeller, whom Tibbot said she deeply respects and looks up to.
As the Executive and Liaison of WWU’s Board of Trustees, Zeller is in charge of coordinating information for the Board of Trustees to review in order to stay in touch with any pressing issues or important topics regarding Western. Zeller described what she sees as a crucial part of being student trustee: upholding public trust.
Zeller pointed out how this role differs from many others a student might usually find themselves in, as they are not elected for the role by their peers, but instead by the governor. This presents a challenge for the student trustee, as they do not necessarily serve as a spokesperson for other students on campus, but instead bring their own personal experience as a student to the table.
Zeller sees the perspective of a student on the board as an important one, as it allows other trustees to consider a unique point of view before making any big decisions. Zeller commended Tibbot for her role as student trustee, stating she’s brought “academic interests as well as campus and community leadership experiences that shape how they approach board work.”
Students who might be interested in applying for the position of student trustee for the 2026-2027 academic year are able to do so until April 12. After all submissions are in, a committee made up of students reviews each application before recommending between three to five candidates to the governor, who ultimately makes the final decision.
Tibbot described the process as being very complex but meaningfully thorough. Tibbot said she applied twice, being selected for the role her second time applying.
According to Tibbot, candidates must apply through the website, which then certifies that you can work on the Board. From there, applicants are asked for more verifiable information before submitting a basic cover letter and resume to Zeller.
According to Zeller, the strongest quality any candidate for the role can have is a strong understanding of what the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees are.
For information about the role or how to apply, students can visit WWU’s Student Trustee page.
Chance Loewi (he/him) is a reporter for The Front’s campus life beat. He is a third-year news and editorial journalism major. In his free time, you can find him playing basketball or ping pong with his friends.
