MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The man appointed to the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents says he hopes to be a role model for Native American students.

Eau Claire attorney Edmund Manydeeds is an enrolled member of South Dakota's Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. He's also a 1973 graduate of UW-Superior and the UW-Madison law school.

Wisconsin Public Radio reports that one of Manydeeds' top priorities is accessibility to higher education. Manydeeds says given his perspective as a tribal member, he wants to make sure all minorities have that access.

Manydeeds has been appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle but he still has to be confirmed by the state Senate.

Manydeeds has served on the governor's judicial selection committee. He replaces Eileen Connolly-Keesler of Neenah, whose term expires May 1.