AACC President Dr. Dawn Lindsay has recommended a sophomore entrepreneurship major as the next student member of the college’s Board of Trustees.

Nyia Curtis was one of two students who applied for the position. According to Christine Storck, director of student engagement, two to six students apply for the position each year.

Curtis said she was “absolutely stunned” when she heard she had been selected. She added that she accepted the position with her grandmother in mind.

“Even though she’s an 89-year-old woman with dementia, just to see how her face lights up and how proud of me she is, it makes me feel good to know that I’m not only doing it for myself, but also for her,” Curtis said.

A student board member attends board meetings every month. The student member is granted access to meetings that are open to the public and to those that are not, and also has a vote when the board requires one on a proposal.

The outgoing student board member, Adam Hertz, said the student trustee brings a perspective to the board that reflects the student body’s needs.

“Be diligent and engaged,” he advised the new trustee. “[The student member] can learn from the experience [of being on the board] because they will be working with the older, more experienced board members.”

Lindsay said the student trustee is “instrumental to the college.”

“The board appreciates the feedback [from the student member],” Lindsay said.

Lindsay’s recommendation goes to Gov. Larry Hogan, who is expected to swear Curtis into the position.

Hertz will serve on the Board of Trustees until July 1, when Curtis will begin her term.