One of three newly appointed members to the Board of Regents, Tracey Klein, said she is excited to act as an advocate for student interests on the board if Gov. Scott Walker’s appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

Klein, a shareholder and chair of Reinhart’s Health Care Practice, graduated from UW in 2003 with a political science degree.

She said she feels honored to receive Walker’s appointment because the UW System is a great institution and possibly Wisconsin’s greatest asset.

“I really look forward to being a part of its wonderful legacy of providing students with a top-notch education,” Klein said.

Klein said once she begins serving as a regent, her focus will be on what is best for students. She said it is key to keep the central focus on educating students and making sure they get a “cost-effective value” for their tuition dollars.

One way to do that, Klein said, is to maintain talented faculty so UW remains a top-tier research university. Another way is to continue monitoring the financial health across the System, because the schools took a hit with the budget, she said.

“I have lifelong love of learning, so I think the first thing you do is you have to learn about the System, and all of the different aspects and the needs of different students on different campuses,” Klein said.

To achieve this goal, Klein said she plans to travel to each of the System’s campuses to better understand their unique features.

Bryan Steil and Klein, will serve as citizen members, while Lisa Erickson will be the non-traditional student regent.

Before the three appointees undertake responsibilities as new regents, the Senate must confirm Walker’s appointments.

The new regents will replace Regent Charles Pruitt, Regent José Vásquez and non-traditional student Regent Nicholas Harsy, and will start May 1 if approved.