MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle has tapped a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire student to join the UW System Board of Regents.

Doyle said Aaron Wingad will replace UW-Madison graduate student Colleene Thomas as the student representative on the 18-member board that sets policy for the UW System.

Thomas is leaving the board after serving a two-year term. She is expected to be honored during the board's meeting on Friday in Madison.

Doyle says Wingad has a strong understanding of the important issues facing UW campuses. He serves as director of academic affairs for UW-Eau Claire's student body and has served on numerous university committees and boards.

Wingad is a graduate of Rice Lake High School who is majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology.