Student Regent Jadyn Fisher’s advocacy began with a courageous act at age 13. Motivated by her passion for student voices and a growing concern for campus safety, Fisher approached her middle school leadership seeking meaningful action.
Administration listened and Fisher organized an event to honor the lives lost from tragic school shootings. Together, the students of Sonoran Foothills School in Phoenix read the names of victims and held a moment of quiet reflection.
“That was a really moving moment for me, realizing that I, as a 13-year-old, was able to impact change and awareness,” said Fisher, a junior at Northern Arizona University studying elementary education. “That has continued through high school and now college. The things that students have to say are important and should be heard. As students, we have a lot more voice and power than you’d expect. Getting involved is your power, and your voice is your power.”
This early act of advocacy and empathy charted a path dedicated to elevating student voices and creating meaningful change within the education system. In April, Fisher was appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs to the Arizona Board of Regents as one of two student regents on the board. Her two-year term began July 1. Now the voices of more than 250,000 students at Arizona’s public universities are Fisher’s priority.
At the center of her path to becoming a student regent is a deep commitment to community, student empowerment and educational equity. As a regent and member of NAU’s student government, Fisher sees her role not just as a representative, but as a bridge for elevating student perspectives and ensuring their voices are central to the board’s decision-making process.
“Jadyn’s leadership and passion for supporting students are evident in everything she does,” said ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata. “Her voice is crucial in ensuring the Board of Regents remains connected to the lived experiences of students across our state. Her advocacy and commitment to elevating student needs are instrumental as we work to address pressing issues like mental health support and campus accessibility. She is a true champion for her peers.”
This passion to serve others was modeled by her mother, Shannon Fisher, who spent much of her career as a school counselor after starting as a teacher and also serving in a variety of community volunteer roles. “I think a lot of my tendencies to be involved in areas I’m passionate about come from her,” said Fisher. “I’ve gotten to see a lot of the impact that she’s been able to have on so many different levels, which really just solidified the fact that I also want to go into education and help shape the system as best I can.”
Since joining the board, Fisher and fellow Student Regent David Zaragoza have been instrumental in establishing ABOR’s new Mental Health Workgroup. The duo will lead campus-wide listening sessions at Arizona State University, NAU and the University of Arizona, engaging with fellow students to gather critical insights. Through these meetings, Fisher and Zaragoza will collect important feedback on how mental health initiatives can be improved and tailored to the unique needs on each campus. As someone who experienced mental health issues, Fisher defines her mission as finding the best ways to “get the real stories” to drive meaningful support for struggling students.
“Jadyn is someone who really takes ownership of finding solutions to difficult problems, which I think is a really great quality and something (our world) could use a lot more of,” said Zaragoza. “I feel like by the time she’s had her two years on the board, people are going to think of her as one of the best student regents. And I don’t say that lightly. She’s really done a great job.”
Zaragoza, a senior studying engineering at ASU, was appointed to the board in May 2023. In his second year as student regent, he holds voting privileges on the board and mentors the incoming student regent. Zaragoza’s best advice for Fisher, passed down from former regent and Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Bob Herbold: Every regent was once new to this role, so it’s OK not to have answers right away, but ask a lot of questions.
Fisher has seen firsthand how the board’s impact provides the opportunity to change an individual’s future, whether it’s through financial support or meaningful governance. The Arizona Teachers Academy, an ABOR program committed to addressing the state’s teacher shortage, helped make Fisher’s college journey possible through financial support – long before the idea of serving as a student regent crossed her path.
At Fisher’s official first board meeting in September, she celebrated initiatives like the Teachers Academy for their impact. She also shared concerns about funding for such critical programs, citing her personal experience of being placed on a waitlist for academy support as a sophomore – a consequence of reduced state funding for higher education during a time when teachers are critically needed. According to the board, more than 1,000 elementary classrooms started the 2024-2025 school year without a credentialed teacher.
“I’m really passionate about the Arizona Teachers Academy and all board initiatives, because I think it’s important to give students as much opportunity as possible to get a higher education if they so choose,” said Fisher. “My goal as a regent will be fulfilled if students feel they are represented on the board, and they feel their voice(s) matters. We want to make change happen, and I feel like my voice is being heard.
“It has been so enlightening and fulfilling to see how such a passionate group – the Board of Regents – is able to get together and incite change.”
Fisher’s commitment to student advocacy is on track to continue well beyond college. She is actively involved in campus life at NAU, serving in student government as vice president of public relations and as a community assistant. Upon graduation, she will join Arizona’s teaching workforce.
Meet the Regents is an opportunity for the public to learn more about members of the Arizona Board of Regents. The governor of Arizona appoints 10 regents to the board, including two student regents. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Arizona Senate. Regents serve staggered eight-year terms, ensuring continuity and stability on the board. Two student regents, one of whom is a non-voting member, serve two-year terms. The students are appointed by the governor from nominations submitted by the state’s three public universities.
Jason Gonzalez, 602-229-2502 | [email protected]