Alethea Sullivan, nominated by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve on the Board of Regents for Texas Southern University, told the Senate Committee on Nominations April 14 that her top priority if confirmed would be to ensure students receive credentials that improve their life outcomes.

Sullivan, a Harvard-educated attorney who spent an academic year in Germany and has worked at several law firms in Texas, said she grew up valuing education and that she would focus on measurable student outcomes. "Their money, their time, their hard work, it must be channeled into an education and credentials that make their lives demonstrably better," she said.

Committee members asked about indicators Sullivan had reviewed. She said she had concentrated on objective numbers and identified concern areas including law school bar-passage rates and four- and six-year graduation rates. Sullivan told senators she had not yet made firm judgments and would need to consult university leadership and students to understand causes and remedies before proposing any changes.

Senators also asked about the role of public historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as the state modifies policies on diversity, equity and inclusion. Sullivan said public officials and regents "are charged with following the law, first and foremost," and that TSU has a "unique history" serving diverse students. She told the committee she would study the institutionbut said her primary objective is to improve student outcomes and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Disposition: The nomination was heard and the committee left the nomination pending for full-Senate consideration.