Senior Hayden Wochele Named UNT System Student Regent

Senior Hayden Wochele has been appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to serve as the student regent on the UNT System Board of Regents. 

Wochele, of Waxahachie, is a political science major in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and holds the position of Transfer Student Body Senator in the Student Government Association (SGA). He is one of eight student regents across the state whose terms started June 1. "It was completely surreal," said Wochele, about the moment he received a call from the governor's office informing him that he had been chosen.

Wochele will represent the interests of all students within the UNT System while attending and participating in UNTS Board of Regents business and meetings. He likened the role to being a "mini-politician" and a liaison between all campuses and the Regents. Wochele said students are his "consitutents." He will serve a one-year term through May 31, 2026. 

Applications for student regent are annually solicited through student government organizations at Texas university systems and forwarded to the governor by the chancellor for final appointment. The student regent position is open to all undergraduate and graduate students at any institution within a university system. "I worked with advisors to apply and made sure to submit an attractive application," Wochele said.

Wochele's dedication to public service was sparked when he joined the SGA at Navarro College, where he earned his associate degree. "I wanted to get involved more, to add to my resume," he said. "Wanting to make a difference - it's a lifestyle. It transformed my way of thinking."

Now, Wochele wants to improve education and quality of life for the students he represents at UNT Dallas, UNT and UNTHSC. He believes serving as student regent will open new doors and networking opportunities. "It will be invaluable down the line for my career path," he said.

As he eases into the role, Wochele is also spending his summer studying for the LSAT, which he plans to take in August. His goal is to enter law school and become an attorney, then a judge. Wochele looks forward to running for office and becoming an elected official. He is considering applying to UNT Dallas College of Law.

Please congratulate Wochele on his appointment and encourage him to uphold our UNT System Values in all actions taken by the Board of Regents.