"Each superintendent participant can bring to the table their unique perspective of the entire educational system from kindergarten through high school and into college," Mower said.

Huntsman has been traveling to districts throughout the state to better understand local education issues. He got the idea for the appointments out of those discussions.

Regents chairman Jed Pitcher deferred comment to Utah System of Higher Education spokeswoman Amanda Covington, who said regents were enthusiastic about the plan.

"As we move into the new economy and into the future, all students need to have post-secondary training to become self-sufficient adults and functioning members of society," she said.

In other appointments, Tony Morgan was named to replace regent David Grant of Cedar City, while UVSC student Amy Brockman was named as the new student regent, appointed to serve a one-year term.

Jim Wall, publisher of the Deseret Morning News, was appointed to the University of Utah Board of Trustees, as well as Clark Ivory to replace Jake Garn. Ivory is the son of Ellis Ivory, chairman of the board at the Deseret Morning News.

If confirmed by the Senate, the appointments would be effective June 30.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com; jtcook@desnews.com