Last spring Student Trustee Christina Henke wanted to resign from her post as the only student on the University Board of Trustees. Too much schoolwork, too little time, she claimed.

One year later -- after the state refused her resignation -- Henke contends she has fulfilled her goal of gaining the trustees' respect for her position.

Ironically, as she nears the end of her term, the molecular and cell biology doctoral candidate has accomplished little to gain that respect.

During a three-year tenure peppered with critical student issues, Henke failed to be a powerful, effective voice on the board. She did not speak strongly for student concerns and almost never initiated discussion.

Why didn't she fight harder for controlling tuition increases? What suggestions did she offer following the protests for racial equity at the University? Did the board hear students' thoughts about the University's minority recruitment and retention figures?

Maybe the question should be: Did she know the issues?

As the only student vote on the board, Henke had a responsibility to represent and defend students to the trustees. Yet her insight on the activities and concerns of gay and lesbian students, black and international students and politically active students borders on disinterest.

Henke has gained notoriety for repeatedly missing the meetings of student groups. To reduce her workload last fall, she decided to appoint students as "clones" and train them to attend University Student Advisory Board meetings in her absence. She fielded student concerns not through direct discussion with student groups and individuals, but by placing a suggestion box in the HUB.

Henke occasionally informed the board of various concerns, such as tuition increases. But those entrusted with the welfare of the school -- corporate executives, alumni, leaders in industry and agriculture -- are not persuaded by passive statements.

Successful leaders recognize the importance of actively molding a decision rather than reacting after one is made.

Apparently Henke thinks a silent voice on the board warrants respect for the student trustee seat. But respect from the other trustees means little when students' needs do not receive the necessary time commitment, dialogue and perseverance.