Bellevue College student Takhmina Dzhuraeva, a former BC student body president who is studying for her Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, has been appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to serve as the student trustee on the Bellevue College Board of Trustees.
Dzhuraeva, 23, an international student from Tajikistan, studied architecture before coming to Bellevue. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Interior Design in 2012 at BC and then continued into the Bachelor’s Degree program.
She was elected President of BC’s Associated Student Government and served in that role for the 2012-13 school year. In addition to holding numerous positions with student government and participating in many volunteer activities, she is a member of the International Interior Design Association Northern Pacific Chapter.
“It’s a great pleasure and honor for me to serve on the board and to be the student voice in governing the college,” said Dzhuraeva.
“It’s important to have student representation on the board,” said BC Board of Trustee’s chair Marie Gunn. “Takhmina will provide a valuable perspective to our discussions and decisions.”
“Takhmina has been an excellent leader as student body president,” said BC President Dr. David Rule. “Now she can continue to help make a difference at BC.”
Dzhuraeva is only the second student in history to serve as a trustee at any of Washington’s community and technical colleges, after a bill passed in 2012 allowing it. Bellevue College is the only college that has taken advantage of the opportunity and Dzhuraeva succeeds Robert Rowe, the first student trustee.
As a student trustee, Dzhuraeva will have all of the duties and powers of a regular trustee, but must excuse herself from participating or voting on matters related to hiring, discipline or tenure of faculty and personnel, or any matters pertaining to collective bargaining agreements. Her term lasts until June 30, 2014. Current members of BC’s Board of Trustees are: Marie Gunn (chair), Steve Miller, Lisa Chinn, Vicki Orrico and Paul Chiles.