If one word could encompass all the qualities that new student member Sasha Wilson brings to the Board of Visitors, "balance" would be it.
Twenty-five students applied to be the representative of the student body to the Board this year.
The Board's Executive Committee met with six finalists and chose Wilson, a fourth-year College student, for her balance of academic and extracurricular achievements.
The Board was "impressed with her credentials, academics and extracurricular record," said Board Secretary Alexander "Sandy" Gilliam, "She is well plugged in to many groups at U.Va."
An active representative of the varsity women's soccer team, Wilson has served as both the team's Student Athlete Mentor to local high school students and Athletic Honor Liaison.
She is also a member of the Raven Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Omicron Delta Kappa and the University Guide Service.
"I love the school, so [being a U-Guide] is a great way for me to be able to share it," she said.
Since 1983, the Board has selected annually a student member to represent student interests to the Board.
The student member does not have a vote.
Because she is enrolled in both the Curry School and the College, Wilson has the unique position of "straddling graduate and undergraduate schools."
"I want to tap into the schools and the students and get to meet with students before issues even come up," she said.
She also wants to build a Web site to create a dialogue with the students she will represent.
"Sasha is an outstanding student and leader, with a very broad base of extracurricular activities," said University Rector John P. Ackerly. "She is really in touch with other students."
Although born in Iowa, Wilson has called Charlottesville home for the past 14 years. She applied to the University after graduating from Albemarle High School.
"I saw that U.Va. really had a perfect balance between athletics and academics," she said.
Wilson also balances her athletic and academic accomplishments with a strong faith.
Wilson was one of five founding members of a fellowship of varsity athletes called "Athletes in Action."
She also helped create and lead a Bible Study called "Tough Questions."
Wilson's peers have confidence in her ability to represent them on the Board.
"I'm ecstatic over her appointment," said fourth-year friend and College student Allison White. "I can't imagine anyone more qualified"
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