Although newly elected University Regent Julia Darlow (D-Ann Arbor) didn't get a chance to voice her opinions at her first meeting on board, that doesn't mean she's shy about expressing them.

Darlow said her priorities during her eight-year term are affordability and diversity in an interview last month.

Citing a national survey that gave the University an "F" for affordability, she said she wants to keep tuition low so potential students won't be discouraged from attending because of the cost.

"I think we need to be focused on how we can ensure that all different people in Michigan who qualify can have the opportunity to come here," Darlow said.

Darlow said she was discouraged by the passage of Proposal 2, which banned the use of affirmative action by public institutions in Michigan.

When California voters passed a similar initiative in 1996, public universities there saw a decrease in the enrollment of underrepresented minorities - something Darlow said she doesn't want to see happen at the University.

Even though yesterday was her first official meeting, Darlow has already begun meeting with current regents and administrators to understand how the University functions.

She received a bachelor's degree from Columbia University and a law degree from Wayne State University, where she later taught law. Although she lives in Ann Arbor, Darlow has no official ties to the University.

She said her outsider status will add a fresh point of view to the board. She said her prior work as a corporate and non-profit lawyer will give her relevant knowledge and skills for the job,

"Alums are important," Darlow said, "But I think it's good to have a diverse group of regents."

After Darlow decided to decided to run for the seat early last year, she began traveling the state and talking to citizens about the University.

Darlow left her position at Novi-based Varnum Law earlier this month to avoid conflicts of interest and to focus her attention on her new position. She said she doesn't know whether she'll continue to practice law.

"I have every intention of giving this job whatever commitment of time it needs," Darlow said.