Nicole Anonthy, a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human development via Washington State University Global Campus, is serving as the student regent on the WSU Board of Regents for the 2026–27 academic year.
Her selection by Washington State Gov. Bob Ferguson is the latest unexpected development in an educational journey Anthony describes as “a bit of a winding road.”
“I had a picture in my head of who this person (the student regent) was supposed to be, and throughout this process I had doubts and insecurities,” she said. “And so, when the call came, I was shocked to be selected.”
Now that she’s in this role, Anthony plans on using her life experiences to help bring students and regents closer together.
“I’m very passionate about making sure language and processes are accessible as well as maximizing opportunities for greater understanding of how things work and how voices can be heard. It’s such an exciting opportunity and I’m so humbled and grateful for it.”
Educational journey
Anthony works for Rainer Scholars, a non-profit that helps prepare students for college, as director of recruitment and community engagement at its Tacoma site.
Although her own education was put on pause for several years to work full time and support her family, Anthony never let go of her dream of earning a bachelor’s degree. And as her own daughter got older, she decided it was time to return to college and set an example by finishing what she had started.
After graduating from Lincoln High School, Anthony began her post-secondary career at Tacoma Community College. Soon thereafter, she left Tacoma to enroll at North Carolina A&T, a historically black land-grant institution. Anthony recalls her time in Greensboro fondly, filled with experiences entirely unique from those she had growing up in the Pacific Northwest.
Anthony’s time at North Carolina A&T was cut short by financial pressures and a desire to be closer to family following her grandmother’s stroke. The need to work full time kept Anthony from completing her studies, but she built a career fostering a love for education among young people.
In 2023, Anthony decided it was time to get back on her path to a degree.
As part of a credit assessment at Tacoma Community College, Anthony learned she’d completed enough credits to earn an associate’s degree. Eager to capitalize on the momentum, she began looking for a bachelor’s degree program that fit her interests and allowed her the flexibility she needed as a working mom. WSU Global Campus ended up being the perfect fit.
Representing WSU Global Campus
Anthony is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in human development. In addition to the outstanding faculty and academic offerings, she’s been taken aback by the sense of community she’s found at Global Campus.
“What I’ve found amazing is how much intention goes into making Global its own campus,” Anthony said. “From the support staff to the programs being offered, you see the concerted effort to make sure even if folks have different things happening in their lives, they have a place that feels like a community and part of WSU.”
Having a WSU Global Campus student serve on the Board of Regents is incredibly valuable,” said Dave Cillay, chancellor of WSU Global Campus. “Regent Anthony made history as the first Global Campus student to serve in the student regent role, and she will continue bringing the perspectives of our unique student population to the board.”
He continued, “Global Campus students come from a wide range of backgrounds and often balance their education with full-time careers, family responsibilities, and other commitments. Regent Anthony understands those challenges firsthand and will ensure their voices and experiences are well represented in the year ahead.”
Goals as student regent
Anthony’s decision to apply for the role of student regent was driven by a calling to empower student voices. She sees herself as a potential bridge between regents and students across the system, helping to make sure both sides have the clearest vision of one another’s motivations and priorities.
She is also eager to meet with student leaders across the WSU system and get a better sense for the unique environments and personalities of each campus. Anthony is also keen to learn more about the ongoing efforts to bolster WSU’s presence in the Puget Sound.
“I want to make sure students on the west side know that WSU is a wonderful, vibrant option for college,” Anthony said.
Anthony is one of four new regents joining the board prior to its next meeting in September. In June, Gov. Ferguson appointed alumni Fé LopezGaetke and Mary Nam to six-year terms on the university’s governing board. The governor is expected to fill the board’s final vacancy soon.
