Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointments of Constance Rice and Rogelio Riojas to the University of Washington Board of Regents.
“Constance and Rogelio are well-suited to the UW Board of Regents. They bring important life and professional experiences that will guide the UW’s vision and work as one of our nation’s premier research institutions while ensuring that quality higher education opportunities are available to meet growing numbers of students,” Inslee said.
Rice is the former senior vice chancellor for the Seattle Community Colleges, was chair and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Seattle Community Colleges and currently is the managing director for Knowledge Management for Casey Family Programs.
“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Inslee,” said Rice. “The University of Washington is one of the finest institutions in the world. As an alum I am proud of being associated with the superior administration staff, students and faculty. The University of Washington represents a strong engine of progress and innovation for our state and nation.”
Riojas is President and CEO of Sea Mar Community Health Centers. He has led Sea Mar since its inception in 1978, growing it from a single Seattle clinic to a comprehensive health and human services organization in 10 Washington counties.
“I am honored and humbled by the Governor's appointment. I am looking forward to working with the other Regents and I plan to work very hard to help the UW with its mission to educate our students,” Riojas said.
Both Riojas and Rice have degrees from UW. Rice holds a graduate degree from the UW Evans School Of Public Affairs and a doctor of philosophy from the UW College of Education. Riojas graduated from the university with bachelor’s degrees in political science and economics and a master’s degree in health administration.
The Board of Regents supervises, coordinates, manages and regulates the University. There are 10 board members, including one student. Riojas and Rice were appointed to six-year terms.
“Having known a number of regents at UW, this is a serious responsibility,” said Bob Craves, founder & CEO of College Success Foundation and former chairman of the Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board. “This is our largest school in the state and it is a major engine for our economy. When you entrust this responsibility to an individual it is something they are going to spend a lot of time and energy on, and they will in fact be a real champion for higher education for our state. I think that is a major job.”
Rice is filling the seat formerly held by Sally Jewell, who was recently appointed by President Obama to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Interior. She will serve the remainder of that term through September and then be appointed to a full, six-year term. Riojas will succeed Craig Cole effective Oct. 1.
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