EIU Student Government

Eastern Illinois is my home. I was born and raised in Paris, a town of 8,300 people just 35 minutes up Highway 16. I am proud to have grown up in this area; it instilled in me two of the most important values I carry: the importance of building community and supporting those around you, whether you know them or not. My time in SGA has granted me the opportunity to serve on behalf of my fellow students, working to make a difference in their lives. I am running for Student Body President because I see an opportunity to better our campus for every student who currently walks this campus and all of those who will come after us.

The foundational ideas of my platform are community and support. As President, I pledge to work every day to make our campus a more collaborative, proud, and supportive place to call home. The first of the many collaborations to come will be during Welcome Weekend this fall, where, in addition to planning First Night, I plan to work with the University Board to shine a spotlight on student artists and musicians in the form of a campus concert. This event will showcase the diverse array of talents and skills that students on campus can offer and serve as an opportunity to build community early in the year.

I will continue to develop SGA’s relationship with Fraternity and Sorority Life through events that bring awareness to causes like mental health and sexual assault awareness. I have been thrilled to follow the development of President Weber’s current collaboration with the FSL community during Greek Week, and I hope to use my own involvement in that community to further strengthen these ties.

I plan to bridge the gap between SGA and campus organizations by beginning an “SGA on Tour” program in which members of the organization regularly visit RSO meetings to build relationships, open doors to collaboration, and solicit feedback from students. If we are to improve EIU, we must put in the work to build relationships across campus and turn student ideas into action.

EIU has afforded so many of us incredible opportunities that simply don’t exist at larger schools. I believe Eastern is a wonderful university with a tremendous community dedicated to its continued growth and success. However, there is still so much to be done to improve how we are supporting our students. I plan to dedicate my time as President to addressing the issues that EIU students are facing, but I can’t do that alone.

I will work to establish more flexible academic policies for students experiencing crises and explore ways to improve the availability of mental health resources on campus. This will require collaboration between myself, my fellow SGA Executive Officers, and University Administration. The product of this work will be policy that supports students and helps keep them at EIU, even in difficult situations, rather than seeing students leave due to a lack of support.

I plan to utilize executive opinions to highlight issues on campus and get the ball rolling on making change. I see the office of Student Body President as the most important advocate for students on campus, and I plan to use the office as such. I vow to you to be the most persistent advocate possible in improving the student experience.

With these steps forward, it will be easier than ever for students to find pride in calling EIU their home. Each of us should be proud of our place on campus. I plan to utilize my office to promote school spirit initiatives that boost school spirit and promote school traditions. Some of these initiatives include creating a Student Spotlight campaign which highlights students who are making an impact on campus, revitalizing the Leadership Wall in the Union to be a place that really highlights student success, producing a traditions guide for first-year students, driving around campus with giveaways and prizes, working to bring back a Champagne Toast event with the Alumni Association to celebrate graduates, and more.

I am running for Student Body President because I believe in EIU and the students that make it special. We are a community blessed with strong traditions, passionate organizations, and outstanding potential, but we must do more to support our students academically, mentally, and socially. My goal and my ask from you is simple: let’s work together to build a campus culture where every student feels supported, valued, and proud to be here. I know that together, we can make that happen, and together, we can make this wonderful university even better.

As a Resident Assistant in Stevenson Hall, I see what students deal with every day: the stress, the confusion, and the moments where they do not know where to turn. That perspective shapes everything I do as a student leader.

As President of Alpha Alpha Alpha, the First Generation Honors Society, I work directly with students who are navigating college without a roadmap. First-generation students face challenges that often go unseen on this campus, and this organization exists to make sure they feel supported and recognized.

As President of Golden Apple RSO, I work with future educators who are committed to going into under-resourced schools and communities. These are students who choose the harder path on purpose, and leading that organization keeps me grounded in why education matters.

As a member of the Panther Hazing Awareness and Prevention Committee, I work to make sure every student on this campus feels safe within their organizations and communities. Hazing is a real issue in higher education, and being part of the effort to address it here at EIU is something I take seriously.

As a member of the Student Action Team, I have been in every meeting, prepared and ready to advocate for EIU students. I also helped with Operation EIU Votes, an initiative to spread voting awareness and get more EIU students registered, because students who do not vote are students whose needs get ignored.

Within SGA, I have served as the chair of the Business Affairs Committee and currently serve as Parliamentarian and Chair of Community Engagement. I have written legislation that voices students’ concerns and addresses the quality of life on campus.

The constitutional amendment kept me from running last year. That is no longer the case. This role is the next logical step in the work I am already doing.

Here is what I will focus on as EVP.

Students do not know how to get involved in the decisions that affect them. Most students have no idea that they have a voice in university policy, budget decisions, or administrative changes. As EVP, I will change that. I will work to make sure students know what committees exist, how to get on them, and what happens in those rooms. I will create clear communication between SGA and the broader student body so that when decisions are being made about tuition, housing, academic programs, or campus resources, students know about it and have a real opportunity to weigh in before those decisions are finalized.

Community outreach at EIU needs to be more consistent and more intentional. I started that work as Community Engagement Committee Chair, and I saw firsthand how much students want to be connected to their campus when you actually meet them where they are. As EVP, I will build on that. I want to make outreach a regular, structured part of what SGA does, not something that happens once a semester. That means getting into residence halls, showing up at organization meetings, and making sure students who are not already plugged into SGA know that this organization exists to work for them too.

And I will lead the Student Action Team with purpose. I have not made it to Lobby Days yet because my education schedule has not allowed it, but I have shown up to every meeting prepared, engaged, and ready to contribute. As EVP, I will make sure SAT has the structure, the preparation, and the student representation it needs to be effective. Lobby Days are one of the few times EIU students get to speak directly to lawmakers about higher education funding, financial aid, and the future of this university. And with a major election coming up in November, making sure that EIU students are registered, informed, and showing up to vote is very important.

I have been doing this work. I know this campus. I know this organization. I am ready to continue the responsibility.

Throughout my time in Student Government, I have worn many hats. I started as a Student Senator on the Diversity Affairs Committee, and during my first semester, I became the chair of that committee. I served as chair for two semesters until I ran last spring for Vice President of Student Affairs. I was honored to be elected to that role for the 2025–2026 academic year. Last semester, due to unforeseen circumstances, I assumed the role of Student Body President and have served in that capacity since. Just this past semester, I was also elected as the Social Media Manager of the Student Action Team. Additionally, I was lucky enough to be chosen as an SGA Delegate to attend the Conference on Student Government Associations in April. I am looking forward to using the skills and knowledge I gain at this conference for future positions. Outside of Student Government, I also serve as the Co-Director and Social Media Manager for the EIU Dancers. I truly cherish my teammates on the EIU Dancers and our continuous collaborative efforts with other Registered Student Organizations. Looking toward next year, I have decided to run for Executive Vice President for the 2026–2027 academic year.

To me, the foundation of this role is advocacy, whether that means advocating for others or teaching students how to advocate for themselves and their peers. Advocacy is a core value of mine. After undergrad, I plan to attend law school to become a criminal defense attorney. My passion lies in this same core value. Being a part of Student Government has prepared me for my future more than I ever could have imagined. I am learning how to advocate for those who don’t always have a voice; as a criminal defense attorney, that will be my exact job.

As Executive Vice President, my top priority would be Student Lobbying Day. It has been said many times before, but one of my biggest goals is to have more than just one day of lobbying. Real change takes time and effort, and if that requires multiple student lobbying days, that is what I will strive for.

On the topic of Student Lobbying Day, another priority of mine will be the Student Action Team. I want to ensure that its members, whether they are in Student Government or not, are well-equipped and prepared. I hope to hit the ground running as soon as the school year starts, meeting at least bi-weekly for prep classes and presentations on how to effectively lobby our legislators. I would also love to contact other EVPs in Illinois, or whoever manages their respective lobby days, in hopes of planning joint events, as I believe there is strength in numbers.

Furthermore, I hope to expand the Student Action Team to include students outside of SGA. My biggest concern is that students on this campus are not being educated on the issues our university and state face. I believe if students are better informed about the issues that affect their lives, they will be more willing to join us on Student Lobbying Day. I plan to host forums regarding equitable funding and other higher education issues that will feature knowledgeable speakers to ensure students are truly educated.

In addition to legislative advocacy, voter education is also a top priority. I will work closely with Operation EIU Votes to plan various events. One collaboration I would love to see is visiting General Education and freshman classes, such as PLS 1153 (American Government and Constitution). I remember taking that class and discussing the importance of voter education; I would love the chance for the Student Action Team, alongside Operation EIU Votes, to attend those classes, provide insight on the importance of voting, and perhaps recruit new members.

Finally, I don’t just want to spend my time on tasks specific to the EVP role. I want to continue to be an overall advocate for the student body. I will continue to fight for those affected by recent contract non-renewals, as well as the “hot button” issues we hear about every day: parking, Wi-Fi, and the dining halls. On a more personal level, I want to increase support and collaboration with TRIO and the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations. As a student with a learning disability myself, I want to ensure that other students like me feel supported. I will also continue to fight for more practice spaces for performance RSOs on campus, practice spaces that are adequate and appropriate.

I am running for Executive Vice President because my work with SGA isn’t finished. My time in this organization has taught me that advocacy isn’t just a job; it’s a responsibility to the people who trust you to lead. Whether I’m fighting for better Wi-Fi or a faculty member’s contract to be reinstated, my mission remains the same: to be a voice for those who feel unheard. I’m ready to put in the work and make sure that every student at EIU feels supported. I would be honored to have your vote.

A little bit about my journey in Student Government: I was appointed senator, and then the next week I became Chair of Student Affairs. I know that is a large jump to take on while being freshly appointed to the role, and I also had to navigate the position with little to no direction. However, I began to hit my stride when given a chance and proper leadership. I have held the role of Student Affairs Committee Chair my entire time here (aside from my first week), so I am very well versed in the connection between the committee and the actions of the VPSA.

I was first presented with the RSO grant funding proposal before the current VPSA got it off the ground. I was there for the beginnings of Student Giving Day (with less than two weeks to plan), and I have been through at least four Pantherpaloozas.

Enough about me and my current role. Let’s talk about the future. Why do I want to be VPSA? How can I make the role better?

First, I want to say that current VPSA Maxson has stepped up and made this role her own, and I commend her greatly on doing so. Building on what VPSA Maxson has established, I would like to continue to rework what used to be DEI Week. I know that it was previously expanded over a month of events; I would like to reshape it back into a focused week and include groups that have not been featured before.

Those of different cultural backgrounds are represented well, but I would also like to incorporate those with physical and mental disabilities in an inclusive space so that they are represented as well. This makes me think back to an event that never got off the ground during my first semester in the senate, which was an event for those who are sensitive to certain environments, possibly in collaboration with Best Buddies.

I would also like to remain in contact with diverse RSOs such as BSU and LASO. Though we cannot officially give them funding, their voices should still be heard when representing them, similar to what VPSA Maxson did with AIS.

I also want to make sure that I take the time to gather data from Pantherpalooza to improve it for RSOs, because those who are involved on campus help with retention.

Lastly, I would like to further clarify the guidelines of the RSO funding program. No disrespect to the way VPSA Maxson has done it, but there is always room to improve and make the process smoother. Though it may sound more restrictive, I would like to add more stipulations so that we are able to spend student fee money in an efficient and effective way.

Overall, I would like to continue to grow along with this role and make Eastern a better place for those involved in RSOs and for those who find community by engaging with them.

In my time in SGA, I have served on the new Community Engagement Committee, a committee made to bridge the gap between the EIU campus and the Charleston community. In December, we hosted a Christmas card-making event for the residents at Holly Brook. I had this idea because, as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), I knew many people in facilities like Holly Brook get few visitors, and I wanted to make their holiday season brighter. This event was one of the most successful events we saw last semester. We also hosted a financial literacy series for students so they could learn about credit, credit cards, and financial aid. In my time with SGA, I have also joined many other groups, such as the Student Publications Board, Sexual Assault Awareness Task Force, Hazing Prevention Committee, Student Action Team, and Housing and Dining Bond Revenue Committee.

I am proud to be in Student Government; every week my peers and I work hard to make this campus a better place for current and future students. Whether that be a tabling event on how the university can improve or an event bringing multiple cultures together, I am an advocate for every single person I come across on campus. Every critique or question they have, I take to heart, and I do everything in my power to find a solution. Outside of our weekly meetings, I encourage everyone on campus to speak up and advocate for themselves as well. My favorite part about being in Student Government is the community we have built together. Every member of SGA, new or old, is part of a well-oiled machine that lifts each other up and encourages us to go above and beyond. My goal within SGA is always the same: to make every student feel safe, heard, and respected.

Being an elected senator will help me continue all of the work I’ve put into this organization over the past two semesters. This position will give me the opportunity to continue the work I am passionate about. Please consider voting for me for Elected Senator.

I’ve heard many students talk about concerns with classes, campus life, parking, and dining, and sometimes it feels like those concerns just disappear, like no one is really listening. That shouldn’t be the case. If I’m elected, I want to be someone you can actually come to, someone who will listen to you and take what you say seriously. No one should feel like they’re talking to a wall when they’re trying to share ideas or concerns about their experience here.

I also want to continue being involved in student government because it’s something I care about. It gives me the chance to keep making a difference on campus while also continuing to learn and grow. Being part of student government makes me feel like I’m contributing to something important, and I want to keep building on that experience.

If I’m elected, I would like to work closely with my committee chair and VPAA to come up with more events and opportunities that support students academically. That could include things like workshops, study events, or helping students find and connect with academics through academic activities. I also want to find ways to engage more with students about their academic experiences so we can better understand what support they need.

Student government isn’t just about holding a title or attending meetings. It’s about representing students and helping improve everyday life on campus. I’m committed to working hard, continuing to learn, and doing my best to represent the voices of the students here at Eastern.

Eastern has a lot of potential, and I believe we can continue making it better by working together. I’m not running just to say I did. I’m running because I want to keep helping students feel heard and valued. If given the opportunity, I’ll do my best to listen, to keep learning, and to make sure students’ needs and concerns are heard.

Shortly after, I became Academic Affairs Chair following some restructuring within Student Government. At first, it felt overwhelming, but something clicked for me when I joined the parking committee and attended meetings throughout the semester. That experience made me realize how important it was to bridge the gap between students and the Student Senate.

Through this committee, I was able to advocate for changes that helped convert certain lots to student and staff parking, which was a huge win for students. This made me realize that I was here to make a difference.

Since then, I have joined two additional committees: the Textbook Rental Committee and the Distinguished Faculty Awards Selection Committee. I have also co-authored several resolutions, including reinstatement efforts for professors affected by layoffs, such as Dr. Hu, which I helped get over 60 signatures for, as well as initiatives like adding a printer in the 24-hour lounge and extending library hours, just to name a few.

As Academic Affairs Chair, I hosted “Scrapz n’ Snackz,” which had over 50 people in attendance. I will soon be hosting a feedback tabling event to gather students’ concerns about academic and non-academic topics, including parking.

Next semester, my committee and I have planned events such as “Honoring Through Knowledge,” a potential collaboration with LASO, and a “Professor Spill the Tea” event. These events will help bring students together and ensure their voices are heard.

As your Elected Senator, I am committed to making sure every student at EIU feels heard, valued, and represented. Student Government should not feel separate from the student body; it should be a direct reflection of it. I want to continue to serve as the bridge between students, faculty, staff, and administration, ensuring your concerns, ideas, and experiences are brought to the table and acted upon.

Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. I will work tirelessly to make sure they are not just listened to, but respected and reflected in the decisions that shape our campus community.

Together, we can strengthen communication, build trust, and create an EIU where every student feels seen and supported.