Gov. Huntsman Appoints Two New Board of Regents Members

Salt Lake City – Governor Jon Huntsman appointed Reverend France Davis and student representative Basim Motiwala as new members of the Utah State Board of Regents.”Reverend France Davis has admirably contributed to the Board of Trustees for Salt Lake Community College,” said Governor Huntsman. “Our System of Higher Education will benefit from his proven leadership, knowledge, and experience in building and creating post secondary education opportunities for Utahns.”

Rev. Davis is currently a member of the Salt Lake Community College Board of Trustees. He is also the full-time pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Salt Lake City and has been for more than 30 years. Rev. Davis has earned several degrees, including a Master’s degree from the University of Utah. His name has been sent to the Utah State Senate, pending confirmation.Basim Motiwala, a senior at the University of Utah, will serve as the 32nd student representative on the Utah State Board of Regents. Motiwala was one of three finalists recommended by the Utah Council of Student Body Presidents for appointment on the board, and will serve a one-year term as the Student Regent.

“Basim is highly respected by his peers and the University,” said Governor Huntsman. “His outstanding leadership experience among students will be a great asset to the Board of Regents.”Motiwala has held several student leadership positions, most recently as the 2007-2008 Student Body Vice-President, as well as the Student Director of Campus Relations in 2006. He is currently seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science and Health.

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The State Board of Regents unanimously re-elected Jed H. Pitcher to continue serving as the chairman of the board and Bonnie Jean Beesley to continue serving as vice-chair of the board.

“It has been an honor to serve with Bonnie Jean, and I look forward to continue working together for a second term.” commented chair Pitcher.

Pitcher, appointed to the Board of Regents in 2001, Pitcher is the retired chairman of the board of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and president and chief operating officer of The Regence Group, the parent company of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah. He is actively involved in several community and business organizations. He and his wife, MerLynn, are the parents of four children.

Bonnie Jean Beesley was appointed to the board in 2003. She served on the Salt Lake Community College Board of Trustees for seven years, including five years as its chair. She is active in business and community organizations and boards of directors, including Heritage Bank and the Utah Symphony and Opera.

The chairs and vice-chairs are elected to two-year terms by members of the Board of Regents.