UHV athlete takes on challenging new role in Student Senate
University of Houston-Victoria student Claire McGee became an avid softball player when she was only 5 years old. She played on tournament teams through junior high and high school and is on the UHV Jaguars softball team.
 |
| Claire McGee |
But now McGee is turning her talents to a new field. In April, she was elected to the Student Senate as a senator at large. This will be her first time to serve on the governing body that acts as a liaison between UHV students and the administration.
"I know a couple teammates who were on Student Senate last year," McGee said. "I saw how much of a voice they had on the campus, and I said, 'That’s something I want to be in.'"
She also was encouraged by Student Senate adviser Janet Foerster, with whom McGee works at UHV Student Services.
As a senator at large, McGee will be free to chair or serve on any committee as directed by the Student Senate, but she admits she’s not sure what to expect.
"I’m not real sure of the topics that are going to come up," McGee said. "I’m really new to this, but I’m excited to be a part of the university in a different way. I’ve always been one to like the leadership roles, and this seems like something I need to do, especially my last year."
On the Jaguars softball team, McGee is what is known as a utility player, meaning she can fill almost any position. Throughout her athletic career, she has played first, second and third base, pitched, and played outfield and shortstop.
"This past year, I played third base and left field," McGee said. "We had a very successful year. We ended up winning our conference tournament in Thomasville, Georgia, and we advanced to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship Tournament in Decatur, Alabama. This was such a great experience because not many college athletes get to compete at this level."
McGee, a Lufkin native, is majoring in early education and will graduate in December of 2010.
"I plan to teach at the kindergarten or first-grade level and eventually get certified in all levels," McGee said. "Who knows what the future holds, but I know I’m looking forward to it."
The UHV Outstanding Student is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact UHV Communications Manager Paula Cobler or call 361-570-4350.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 80 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.
