Outgoing student trustee reviews campus spring events and concerns; Braxton Westbrook elected student trustee

Claire Myers, outgoing student trustee, used her report at the June 26 Tennessee Tech Board of Trustees meeting to review student life highlights from the spring semester and to raise a student concern about potential foreign-language program cuts.

Myers told the board that the campus hosted the 48th annual Appalachian Studies Association conference, events for Women's History Month, and celebrations such as Earth Day and Eagle Fest. She noted the National Society of Black Engineers chapter's outreach to local schools, Student Government Association activities including a campus safety walk by the SGA University Infrastructure Committee, and the results of recent SGA elections. She also described a change.org petition opposing proposed cuts to Tennessee Tech's French and German programs; she said the petition had "reached over 1,400 signatures from current students, alumni, and others concerned," and that signees cited potential limits on study-abroad and career opportunities as reasons for opposition.

After Myers' report, the board voted to elect Braxton Westbrook as the student trustee for fiscal year 2025-26. Westbrook introduced himself before the vote, described his academic background (bachelor's degrees in computer science and political science from Tennessee Tech and current graduate study in computer science), and said he planned to represent student perspectives to the board. Claire Myers offered advice to Westbrook after the board vote: "Never feel afraid to speak, especially from a student's perspective. That's something that's unique to you."

The election was conducted by roll call; the motion to appoint Westbrook passed with a recorded series of "Aye" votes from trustees present. The board also recognized outgoing student trustee Claire Myers with a plaque; trustees and administration expressed appreciation for her service.

Myers' report and the board's actions did not produce any formal board action specifically changing academic programs; the petition and student concerns were recorded in the meeting minutes as matters raised by students and the student trustee.