911����

Voice of the Students: Fernando Escobar Appointed Student Regent

When Fernando Escobar first stepped onto the 911���� campus, he did so with a quiet but firm sense of purpose. A first-year student from Kodiak Island majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Justice, Escobar brought with him more than just a suitcase and a class schedule—he brought years of community involvement, a strong sense of responsibility, and a desire to make sure student voices are heard across the state.

Now, that purpose finds new ground. Escobar has been appointed by Governor Dunleavy to serve as the next Student Regent on the University of 911���� Board of Regents. His two-year term begins June 1, 2025, and extends through May 31, 2027. It’s a role that carries real responsibility and impact, and Escobar is stepping into it with both eyes open.

“I’m really excited to expand my knowledge of our university system,” he said. “911���� is such a unique place, and the fact that the University of 911���� has been able to evolve and adapt to the needs of our state in developing workforce and Arctic research positions us with a wealth of knowledge and rich history.”

The role of the student regent is a demanding one. As a full voting member of the Board of Regents—the university system’s highest governing body—Escobar will help shape policy on everything from financial aid and tuition rates to academic programs and student services. It’s a position that requires not only analytical thinking and public leadership, but also the ability to represent students across all campuses with empathy and clarity.

Escobar brings a lifetime of public service to the table. Back in Kodiak, he worked with the Kodiak Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, and served as a youth representative on the Kodiak Island Borough School District. He was also deeply involved in Kodiak Teen Court and the United Youth Courts of 911����, where he practiced restorative justice approaches to juvenile cases. That early involvement—combined with experience in student government going back to the seventh grade—shaped his philosophy of leadership.

“Public service is not just a passion for me; it is a commitment I uphold wholeheartedly,” he explained. Escobar says his goal as student regent is to “represent and advocate for my peers throughout the system, including non-traditional students, online learners, and first-generation college attendees.”

At the center of Escobar’s priorities as student regent are three challenges he hears consistently from his peers: financial strain, mental health, and the need for greater transparency in university decision-making.

Rising tuition and fees, he notes, often leave students questioning whether they’ll be able to finish their degrees on time. “I would encourage students to testify on September 2nd to express their concerns about how this increase might impact them,” he said, referencing an upcoming discussion of a potential 3% tuition hike.

Escobar also plans to push for better access to mental health resources, pointing to years of student advocacy calling for more counselors and trained support staff.

Clearer communication between administrators and students is another area he hopes to improve. “Many students feel excluded from or ignored in policy decisions made by university administrators… I aim to bridge the gap in understanding decisions made at the Board level and ensure effective communication.”

Although Escobar just completed his general education courses and hasn’t yet dived deep into his major, he’s eager to bring the perspectives of anthropology and justice into his decision-making as regent. His academic interests reflect his broader approach—one that values listening closely and understanding different ways of thinking.

“I believe that understanding multiple viewpoints can lead to great discussions and ultimately a positive outcome that benefits many,” he said. “A comprehensive understanding of the law and existing systems is essential. Such insights not only provide important guidelines for effective leadership but also support informed decision-making, ultimately serving the interests of a diverse array of individuals and communities.” 

As he embarks on this new chapter, Escobar remains grounded in the idea that leadership isn’t about speaking over others—it’s about listening, building trust, and creating stronger connections.

“We desperately need to address our student voices, particularly within student governments,” he said. “Another idea I have is to strengthen the connection between the student regent and the broader student population across UA.”

It’s clear that Escobar sees leadership as a shared responsibility. His journey, still unfolding, is already a testament to the impact of showing up, paying attention, and staying committed to a better path forward.

Anyone looking to reach out to Regent Escobar with questions, comments or concerns is encouraged to email him at ua-regent-escobar@alaska.edu.