USG Candidates
March 6, 2016
Undergraduate Student Government Candidates:
James Bartholomew Flanagan
Position: Director of Business and Finance
Senior, Educational Studies with minors in Pre Law, Economics and Philosophy
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I have vast leadership experience and am incredibly involved on this campus. I’ve become as undeniably Kent State as possible.
What will be your top priority once elected?
My top priority first and foremost will be to get the Allocations process more transparent and easy for study to learn about.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and campus in general?
I want USG to become better listeners. We have acted many times without first heeding the students, and that must change.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
This issue can only be resolved by listening and acting upon the request of ALL students.
Andrew Pieri
Position: Director of Business and Finance
Junior, Business Management Major
Hometown: Airport, New York
What makes you representative of the student body?
Since I started at Kent State I always wanted to be involved and have a leadership role. First, I joined Greek life as a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and then Undergraduate Student Government on the allocations committee. I believe I am a good representative of the student body because of my involvement on campus at Kent and my drive to improve the growth and branding of Kent State University. I am here to represent the Student Body as a whole and fund conferences, activities, and programs that will enrich the campuses and reputation.
What will be your top priority once elected?
My top priority will be to foster awareness to every eligible campus organization/individuals about the valuable opportunities that the allocations request process has to offer. I will be working with the Director of Communications to promote allocations over social media, drive the allocations program calendar, and personally reaching out to leaders of organizations to educate them on the opportunities that allocations has offer for undergrads.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and campus in general?
One issue I have with campus is the relationship between alumni and the career services office. From talking to students at other schools and comparing their career services programs to Kent State there needs to be changes and improvement with our program. I feel as though there is not enough direct job placement for Kent State Students and leveraging Alumni. This can be improved by communicating and requesting greater involvement with our alumni base. Activities such as holding more alumni events, putting more experienced staffing and resources into the career services program, and outlining the strategy will drive the change.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
It is a tough topic; I think we are making progress with the new gender neutral housing and bathrooms on campus. It is all about catering to the needs of every student on campus and giving opportunities to students to voice their opinions. I think that USG is a great way for students to get their message out there to the students and voice their opinions about what they stand for and want for Kent State University.
Keri Richmond
Position: Director of Governmental Affairs
Junior, Public Relations
Hometown: South Bend, IN
What makes you a representative of the student body?
Holding several leadership positions during my three years here at Kent I believe that leadership is about serving, listening and advocating for our student body. I am a dedicated and committed advocate for others and will be a relentless advocate regardless of the role I am in. I’m here to serve and I want to make sure our student body’s voices are heard.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority is students. We are elected to serve the student body and I think it’s vital student’s stories be told and voices be heard on campus, in our state and nationally on issues affecting us as young adults such as student debt and the price of tuition.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
USG needs to improve on transparency and strengthening our relationship with the student body. We are here to serve the student body and students deserve to know what we are doing as elected leaders for them. Students should feel comfortable coming to representatives and voicing their concerns, but also be confident that these concerns will be confronted and acted on.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
USG should continue to work closely with new university initiatives like the climate study. This new study will allow students to voice their opinion about diversity-related issues on campus. This is a step forward that will allow us to learn, grow and make changes to ensure we are aware and actively seeking to put an end to such issues. We need to be having these conversations and be agents of change.
Alexis Lewis
Position: Director of Governmental Affairs
Fourth year student, graduating next spring.
Double major: Political Science and Global Communication
Hometown:Sandusky, Ohio
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I am a special type of representative of the student body; I am different. My passion and commitment to the betterment of this University has brought me to incredible places and has allowed me to connect with all types of life on campus, with all kinds of student efforts and goals. I am dedicated to integrity, service, and excellence. I will use all of my experience and embody everything I have learned from my student leadership experiences to be the best Direct of Governmental Affairs, to be the Director who truly makes a difference at Kent State University.
What will be your top priority if elected?
The Director of Governmental Affairs should set the agenda when it comes to political education on campus. It is my goal to do so in an unbiased way, so that students can form sustainable political mindsets and foundations of their political beliefs without the pressure of joining political parties. We are at a University with incredible political science professors, yet students miss out on civic and international relations if they are not taking those classes. I will go above and beyond the responsibilities the Director of Governmental Affairs is required to do, and dedicate my entire year advocating for students to use their voice politically. I will bring politicians to this University to speak about their values and beliefs for the 2016 election. I will coordinate lobbying opportunities in Washington D.C for students to speak about issues that pertain to them. I will make sure every student knows “who, what, where, when, and why” when it comes to governmental affairs and politics at this University. We will be conscientious students who are aware of our political world at all times, not just during election season, and not just during our time here. It is my platform for students to graduate with a sustainable political mindset.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
Transparency is the one issue when it comes to USG, and the campus in general, that we can improve on and see great success from doing so. The best work gets done when it is done right, and when organizations are required to be accountable and are fully transparent. When we are transparent issues are caught sooner and everything is easier to understand, everyone can see what the administration is doing and then voice their opinions about it to improve what the University does for us and what we can do together as students.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
As a current Senator at Large for USG, I would like to say that many efforts have been made this year to provide additional committees, councils, seminars, educational opportunities, and safe places on campus to accommodate any needs that diversity-related issues create. As Director of Governmental Affairs I will grow these current established groups and encourage students to develop programs that educate others about diversity and host events that celebrate it as well. I will increase the opportunities students have to speak out on diversity-related issues by holding meetings that raise concern and brainstorm solution. I want to work with the student body to bring greater attention to the issues we see on campus, in our community, and in our world.
Olivia Mullen
Position: Director of Student Involvement
Junior, Organismal Biology
Hometown: Portage Lakes, OH
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I believe that I am a well rounded student. I’ve been involved in several different organizations, I am very opinionated and loud so my voice will always be heard, yet always ready to listen to my peers and advocate for them. I am level headed and willing to serve the student body of Kent State University.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority will be to hold student leader luncheons, where myself and other university officials will facilitate a forum about types of leadership, how to deal with negativity inside your organization, how to utilize allocations, and other pressing topics that can be tailored to our student body. This is a duty already in the bylaws of the USG charter, and has not been completed at all this term. I want to be the person to change that.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
I think USG needs more PR and awareness promoted. We do so many great things for student, and not a lot of them are aware of it! The campus also needs to have more pride on our school. Not just with sports, but really representing Kent State. I agree with Dr. Warren on many points about blue and gold pride. Loving our university and showing it to everyone will really impact the positivity on our campus.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
I think the new board should participate in cultural diversity training once a semester and really sit down and have dialogue with students and how they feel about these issues on campus, and what USG can do to help that. Diversity is great and we need to learn to embrace it more!
Kun Kang
Position: Director of Student Involvement
Junior, Nutrition major
Hometown: Taiyuan, China
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I am an international student, I want to help international student to go though the culture transition and get involved in campus.
What will be your top priority if elected?
Help the international students to involve in the campus and get all the Kent student enjoy the undeniable internationalization of Kent State Univerisity.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
I think the campus need more diversity and build a more friendly and welcome environment for student from different background.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
I think the USG can handle the issues by promoting the USG elections to let student from all different student bodies know the USG and get into the USG. So, they can work together to deal with the diversity-related issues.
Brendon Schrock
Position: Director of Student Involvement
Sophomore, Honors Biochemistry Pre-Medicine major
Hometown: Mogadore, Ohio
What makes you a representative of the student body?
What makes me a representative of the student body is the fact that I will work relentlessly and as hard as I can to better the student body here at Kent State, and to ensure that everyone’s experience here is used to its utmost potential
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority, if elected, is to make sure that the students here at Kent State are fully aware of everything that is here on this campus
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general? To me, making sure that the thousands of Kent students are well informed of what they can be involved in is the first step to seeing student involvement increase. Between USG and the campus, I think that communication could be improved. I feel like sometimes students are misled by information or aren’t fully informed of situations, and it can cause chaos at times, so bettering communication is key.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
Finally, I think USG will handle the growing prominence of diversity related issues on campus the right way and will make sure to take all the necessary steps to making Kent State the best it can be.
Nathan LaChance
Position: Director of Communication
Junior, Applied Communication
What makes you a representative?
I believe I am one of the best representations of the Kent State student body because I have so much experience across campus. From being apart the Provost Leadership Academy my freshman year, to being an orientation guide, to being a First Year Experience instructor, to joining a fraternity, and so much more. All of these experiences have led me to different groups of people, giving me a large pool of people to learn what they like and do not like. I believe that in my two and a half years here I have learned how to best represent the student population through the connections I’ve made and things I’ve watched and been a part of.
What will be your priority?
If elected my top priority will be to continue the transparency between USG and the student body. I believe that because USG is so influential on campus, it will be my duty to make sure that any and all information, events, and anything else is clearly communicated to the student body as easy as possible. I Since I will be representing 24,000 undergraduate students I will hold myself to the highest standard to insure that everything that happens during my time will be made public for anyone and everyone.
What do you think could be improved with USG?
I think that USG is doing really well, and has been for the last few years. I see the most room for growth and development in working with the university itself. President Warren has a lot of initiatives starting in the few years, and with the backing and support from USG, people will respect both USG, and whatever the initiative is more. I do not think that there is a poor relationship between the two now, but after hearing President Warren’s six year plan there is a lot that she wants to do, and if USG comes along side of her for these changes, our relationship with administration will only grow, as well as make USG as a organization more credible.
Diversity?
I believe that USG is one of the most influential organizations on campus, and what they do as an organization is very impactful. I would like to partner with BUS (Black United Students), SALSA (Spanish and Latino Student Association), and the LGBTQ Student Center more to address current issues. Combined programming that educate students about these diversity-related issues will be crucial and extremely beneficial for all parties included. If people see that USG is being progressive and evolving as these national issues occur, I think it will instill confidence in the students that elected us, and set the standard for the USG boards from now on.
Natalia Roman
Position: Director of Academic Affairs
Junior, Communication Studies major
Hometown: Bayamón, Puerto Rico
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I believe I am a representative of the student body because I have been able to connect with a wide range of people during my three years here in Kent. As a female, Latina student leader and with being from a different country, I am familiar with what it is like being part of a minority on campus and the kinds of issues we need resolved in order for our underrepresented populations, regardless of it being race, ethnicity, or gender, can feel valued and respected at Kent State.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority if I were elected is to raise awareness of the academic programs available on campus for our different kinds of students. We often have information overload when receiving all the resources available at Kent for us, but being that we are here to receive an education, I want to make sure our students are not only successfully matriculating, but that they have the academic support to graduate and excel during their time here.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
I think USG can be improved with a more diverse representative body. Even though we had the biggest amount of international students running for elected positions in a while, we can still do better by targeting more diverse populations, encouraging them to run, and breaking down the process.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
I think the more we actively try to speak up about these issues and make the campus culture not about tolerance, but about coexistence, we will improve. These processes take time, but with President Beverly Warren’s mission being to foster diversity on campus and with the university’s strong push for the resolution of these issues, USG will be a steering force in putting forward and enacting our president’s plan of action.
Logan Pringle
Position: Director of Programming
Sophomore, Construction management, Business Minor
Hometown: New Philadelphia, OH
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I believe I would be the best representative because I will make sure every student is happy with the various programs that will come to Kent State, no matter the cost. I will always strive to make sure no student voices go unheard, and that students are happy with everything I can do for them.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority will be the students, and again making sure all students are happy. I can’t stress enough how big of a goal this is to me, I will work day in and day out to make sure the student body is cared for and everyone knows I have heard what they have to say.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
Involvement of the students and the campus, we only have these final years before we graduate and start our full time jobs. Let these years be our best, let these be the best memories we can have with possibly our future best man, or brides maids. I believe I can achieve this through programming by offering events that the whole student body will enjoy and can’t wait to be at.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
I believe with the candidates I have spoke with we can all come together to solve this in the best way possible, with all our minds combined we can achieve great things. We could create a safe environment for diverse groups, were they are able to express viewpoints, possible solutions, and use this opportunity to show we do care about diverse groups and we want them to come forward and we want to guide them.
Alexandra Gray
Position: Director of programming
Senior, Public Relations major
From USG’s website:
Bringing programs to the university is so important because it is a new opportunity to come together as a community, in a safe environment, to have a great time.
With this position, I will bring programs that are new, upcoming and exciting. I will work day in and day out to find performers that the student body will look forward to and that will bring a great show to campus.
I promise to show a contagious amount of passion about the programs that come to Kent State and to put every ounce of effort and heart into this position.
Cliff Glowacki
Position: Director of Programming
Junior Theatre Design and Technology major
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I am involved in many aspects of student life including being a member of technical theatre organizations and leader on the executive board for Fraternity and Sorority Life.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority once elected will be to select a diverse, experienced board to help me begin planning events. I want to bring a TEDx event to Kent State University to utilize our resources and provide “Ideas worth spreading” to students!
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
I think USG can reach more students and involve more in events like FlashFest and Blastoff! In addition, I think that expanding USG to include two more Senator-at-Large positions would help to give more of a voice to students across the board.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
I am confident that USG will support and encourage diversity in all aspects of academia and campus life. Personally I will reflect that in my Programming Board. Diversity promotes creative thinking and innovative problem solving by looking at problems from a different point of view. This will be extremely beneficial while planning events for students.
Emonte’ Wimbush
Position: Director of Programming
Sophomore Fashion Merchandising major
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I understand both sides of the spectrum. I understand the perspective and voices of those who voices aren’t usually heard. I understand the voices of the majority.
What will be your top priority once elected?
My top priority once I get elected is to here the programs that students want to see next year.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and campus in general?
I believe that USG can improve on its connection and relationship with students. A lot of students feel a disconnect between them and USG.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
I believe that if I’m elected USG will handle the growth in diversity-related issues well because I am a student who understands the diverse issues.
Colin Czehut
Position: Director of Community Affairs
Senior, Applied Engineering and Technology Management, minor in Sustainability
Hometown: Chesterland, OH
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I am in Kappa Sigma on campus, I am the VP of Public and alumni relations for Inter Fratenrity Council, I was a teacher’s assistant for 4 semesters teaching AutoCAD and I am very involved in the community as well.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority would be to get more students involved with downtown Kent to create events for all Kent state students to enjoy.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
I would like to make sure all Kent state students know about USG and USG events to create greater community involvement.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
I would like to have the leaders of minority’s come in and explain the main issues on campus. I want Kent State to be the most diverse community and get everyone involved.
Kathleen Moorman
Position: Senator to the Honors College
Sophomore, Political Science
Hometown: Concord, OH
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I believe that I am a representative of the student body due to my ability to listen. I do not pretend to know and identify with the struggles of every student, as my experiences are very unique to me, but I do know that I am someone who is good at listening and attempting to empathize to the best of my ability. I think that more so than anything, listening is key in a representative, and I pride myself on my ability to see beyond myself.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority will be improving the relationship between the Honors College and its’ students. I believe that oftentimes the Honors College is relegated to “additional advising and requirements”, when it is really so much more than that. The Honors College is a chance for you to pursue opportunities that often aren’t available to other students, and a chance to connect with students who share a passion for education and hard work. My priority would be ensuring that the college connects with the students it serves through an emphasis on communication.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
I believe that transparency is a huge issue that USG must tackle. It needs to move beyond the foggy idea that students have of what it is and become a totally transparent and reliable organization. This means ensuring every student knows what USG does as soon as they walk away from DKS, allowing all votes to be open to the public, releasing a budget as soon as it is finalized, and continuously keeping students updated on where their money goes.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
USG has a great opportunity here to be an advocate for diversity on campus, and I personally believe that the biggest role that USG can take on is that of listener. I would like to see connections between USG and the multicultural organizations on Kent’s campus, and increased coordination between student representatives and marginalized students. When there is a true connection between marginalized students and those who are chosen to represent them, what needs to be done to foster diversity becomes clear.
Melissa North
Position: Senator for the college of nursing
Junior, Nursing
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I’ve served as this position on USG last year and I hope to continue work with the Dean and the College.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority will be to provide more opportunities for nursing student to meet mentors and other students through student organizations.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
On Kent’s campus there are so many students who have never heard of USG and/ or don’t understand what USG does. I think USG need to spread awareness of what they are doing each week in their meetings and also that they are here to help individuals and student organizations.
Ariella Yager
Position: Director of Student Advancement
Junior Marketing and Entrepreneurship double major
Hometown: Medina, Ohio
What makes you a representative of the student body?
To be a representative of the student body you have to bleed blue and gold. I am very passionate about what it means to be a golden flash and have dedicated my time here at Kent State to put myself in many positions to be a full representation of the student body. I am currently the member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, on the executive board of The National Society of Leadership and Success and have held many roles in Student Success Programs. By taking on all of these roles I have diversified my leadership to attain to all students at Kent State.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority if elected is to make sure that every single student feels like Kent State is their home. I want to improve campus to make sure students are getting a world class education with a close knit community that makes them feel like they can achieve their goals and be supported during their entire time on this campus. I want to not only make advancements on campus but in every aspect of student life. I want to do this by implementing more student success programs in every college as well as to every student not just incoming freshman. I also want to increase the Judicial Advocates program so every student going through conduct court has someone representing them and making sure they get the support needed. Lastly I feel in order to advance students we need more school pride and I would like to work close with Director of Student Involvement to make sure students are being as involved as possible making their time here on this campus the best it can be.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
I believe that improvement is the key to being the best. I think a big issue we face year after year is the lack of transparency between administration and USG members and the students. Our entire job is to represent the study body and I want to make sure they are coming to us if they have a problem so we can make sure we are addressing every concern. I also believe we have a lack of school pride and we need to make sure every student is passionate about being a golden flash and wants to wear blue and gold every Friday.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
USG has many representatives making our own members very diverse. It starts with being transparent and open about issues as serious as diversity. If elected I want to make sure we are implementing student success programs to help with diversity on campus starting with incoming freshman.
Susie George
Position: Senator of Architecture and Environmental Design
Freshman, Interior Design major
Hometown: Pittsburgh
What makes you representative of the student body?
I am just starting out my years at Kent, and realize the importance of branching out, getting to know people, and getting involved. I enjoy bringing people together, and have a vision of helping other students connect with each other to help create a wider and closer community of students who can support and inspire each other.
What will be your top priority if elected?
I will research and find out about all opportunities and information that will help students in Architecture and Environmental Design. I would like to help students who are in Architecture and Environmental Design become better acclimated to our new building. I would also like to help create a network for students to facilitate mentors who could help support them in their field of study. As part of the USG, I would like to work with other students to create opportunities and possibilities for all students in the student body to make the best of their education and experience at Kent.
What do you think can be improved on the USG and the campus in general?
I feel the USG can continue to create opportunities for students to get to know each other and network together from a variety of fields. I fell these opportunities will help continue to improve connections among students in different organizations and create a stronger community among the student body at Kent.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
I feel it would be important for the USG to continue to bring together people from different clubs, organizations, sports, and fields of study to create connections, and bonds between students from different cultures, interests, and backgrounds. I am a member of the CSA and FSO, and I have been inspired by both organizations who have offered opportunities for students to be a part of connecting people of diversity. I feel the USG will continue to create opportunities for students to learn from a wide variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds. These opportunities will help the USG boost collaboration among students in the student body and bring about positive changes and experiences for students at Kent State.
Zhamilya Suieubayeva
Position: Senator for College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED)
Junior, Architecture major
Hometown: Almaty city, Kazakhstan.
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I have a bachelor degree in Journalism that I obtained in my home country.
Being an international student at CAED helped me to understand the challenges of being an outsider. I had to learn how to adjust to culture, academic life, and language, that is quite different than I was used to in my home country.
Studying architecture I encountered many challenges. The most important of them is a busy schedule. Intensive studying requires an enormous amount of time and energy and students need to have the most convenient environment and support from the College and University Administration. And those problems are referred to both, domestic and international students. I can understand and represent both of those groups.
What will be your top priority if elected?
Creating a bridge between students and college administration. Become a voice of student community. Bring their needs and suggestions to the attention of the college and USG.
Attracting and engaging students with different backgrounds.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
By engaging more international students to student organizations and giving them the opportunity to share their experiences at Kent State University. By doing that, understand the general challenges of studying in the university. The gained insight should be considered for further decision making processes that involves admission, instruction and academic support.
Nicholas Peters
Position: Senator for the College of Communication and Information
Sophomore, Digital Media Production major
Hometown: Avon, Ohio
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I live in the living learning community for CCI and I am very involved in campus life. I know a lot of people and therefor I hear a lot about what people want/expect out of our college and I want to be their voice.
What will be your top priority if elected?
Enhancing the standard of education within our school as well as improving the social network between other schools on campus and preparing our students for the working world. However, my main priority will be listening to the students and trying to accomplish what they want done.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
I think sometimes priorities are lost in translation so I think focusing on sustainability, diversity, and education would be the top focuses for me that I think could use more attention.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
Diversity is something to embrace and celebrate. From race, to gender, to orientation, to anything else; it’s our differences that make us human. So while there have been issues, I wouldn’t say necessarily that it’s a growing prominence, but rather a growing recognition of the issues. That’s the first step in fixing an issue is acknowledging that there is one so I believe that through a lot of discussion and programs, USG (as well as the university as a whole) can embrace our diversity and solve the issues at hand.
Brian Brown
Position: Senator of the College of Business
2019, Business Undecided
Hometown: Akron, Oh
What makes you a representative of the student body?
Being a student I deal with the same things as the students in the college of business and I feel like I can serve as a positive voice for the students.
What will be your top priority if elected?
Finding opportunities for the college of business students to gain experience in the fields that they wish to go into.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general? Giving the minorities of campus more of a voice in the decisions that are being made.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
By sitting down with students who are in the minority and talking about ways to make the University more appealing and welcoming to minorities then going out and delivering on the things that have been discussed.
Brittany Johnson
Position: Senator for the College of Public Health
Junior, Public Health major
Hometown: Brecksville, Ohio
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I believe that I am a representative of the student body because I am heavily involved on campus and within my college. I am in the Public Health Student Alliance, the Public Health Peer Mentoring Program and am also heavily involved with Relay for Life on campus. I am also a charter member of the Phi Mu Fraternity of which I had the pleasure of being our secretary, assistant new member educator, and serve on our recruitment committee.
What will be your top priority if elected?
I am a person with big ideas, so I have two main goals for my position if elected: 1.) to create a more environmentally friendly campus by changing all the paper towel dispensers to hand dryers and 2.) creating more lecture-style classes for the College of Public Health.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
Since “Undeniably Kent State” is so new, I feel that the campus has a lot of growing to do in the next few years and that USG can help it grow in a positive way. One thing that everyone can improve on is communication not just with USG and the undergraduate students but with faculty and the city of Kent itself.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
Again, with improved communications skills, we can figure out what the majority of campus thinks needs to be addressed. With this information, we can use it wisely and fix this problem in an efficient manner.
Samantha Johnson
Position: Senator for the College of the Arts
Junior, Fashion Merchandising major
Hometown: Plain City, OH
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I am a representative of the student body because I am very dedicated to Kent State and specifically my college. I am a proud Golden Flash and would love to be given the opportunity to represent my college. I am currently a fashion school student ambassador and I would like to take this a few steps higher and represent my whole college.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority if elected has not been decided. If elected my focus would be on the students within my college. I would take the opportunity to find out what concerns the students in my major and make that my top priority.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
Communication and student involvement are two things I think that can be improved. There are so many chances to be involved not only in USG but also on this campus in general that a lot of students are unaware of. If the opportunities of involvement are better communicated to the students then our campus will greatly improve.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
I think the best way to handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus would be to become more culturally aware. These diversity-related issue are not only happening on our campus but all over the world.
Caleb Ashcraft
Position: Senator for College of the Arts
Senior, Fashion Design major
Hometown: Louisville, Ky
What makes you a representative of the student body?
Diversity, simply put. I’ve been dipping my toes in every social pond I’ve come across since I’ve been knee high to a grasshopper.
What will be your top priority if elected?
Promote Collaborative Efforts.
There are resources all around campus; designed by students, for students -such as The Fridge- that are not taken advantage of. Every student has something to offer, and who they decide to work, create, and build with should not be limited to their peers within their college.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
Communication.
When it comes to the actions and decisions of USG, events around campus, or any activity, Kent State has done a poor job of letting it be known to their students. It takes more than a tweet, or flyer to communicate with students now-a-days. What it is going to take is more face-to-face interaction among students and organizations.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
We have to address “Diversity” as a whole.
Kent State must work harder if they want to retain marginalized students. Which will take increased funding for organizations and clubs who’s members fall under that definition.
We also need restrict requirements for diversity credits to ensure students take classes in diversity departments, as this will create a more progressive student body.
Finally, we must recognize defining “diverse” goes beyond ethnicity, but it is what lies within character, interest, and history, and so much more.
Troy Kotsch
Position: Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences
Junior, Biology Pre-Med major
Hometown: Rogers, Ohio
What makes you a representative of the student body?
Being my third year as a Biology Pre-Med major, I have taken courses in nearly every facet of my college. I have both seen and experienced everything from mathematics to humanities, physics to chemistry, and biology to the social sciences. Having experienced nearly everything my college has to offer, I believe that I would be able to fairly represent both my college and the students in it.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My current top priorities are designing a system that will help students overcome language barriers, further developing research programs for undergraduate students, addressing chemistry credit to work proportionality, and building upon peer-to-peer and alumni mentorship programs.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general? There is always room for improvement. The purpose of USG is to represent our student body and advocate for them. If the students want an improvement, I believe it to be USG`s duty to help fulfill their wishes and make this campus a better place for everyone.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
Our strength lies in our differences, not in our similarities. Our goal should be to reach unity in diversity, and breed a common understanding that unites and connects our students, exemplifying how the world should be as a whole. USG needs to foster this appreciation and understanding of other people’s cultural backgrounds in order to connect with our student body here at Kent State University.
Samuel Graska
Position: Executive Director
Junior, Cellular and Molecular Biology major
Hometown: My heart is torn between two of my hometowns Uhrichsville, OH where I attended Claymont High School, and then Mogadore, OH which is where I graduated from Mogadore High School.
What makes you a representative of the student body?
I believe to be a true representative of the student body you have to be imperfect yet strive for greatness, you have to be humble but have pride in your identity, you have to be compassionate yet strong and firm, you have to be confident yet willing to serve. You have to be loyal. You have to listen and be the call to action you want to see. I have served my peers from being a Living Learning Community Mentor, leading on the Programming Board of USG, and currently being Senator for the Commuter and Off-Campus students which makes up about 80% of the undergraduate student body. These are a few of my qualifications, and I can’t wait to further serve my student body to the best of my ability.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority once elected will be to be the cause of the action that we have so long lacked on this campus. We always have had a lot to say, as we should, but it’s time we the students start acting and moving forward together bettering each other. This will bring a transformation with Kent State school pride, our views of each other, and really increase the embodiment of how amazing it is to be a Golden Flash.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
This starts with improving transparency from administration to the students and from USG to the students and most importantly the transparency between students. This transparency will not only create school pride advancements and student involvement, but will increase student morale as they learn that their voice not only matters, but that there is action behind the words they say and it is our job as USG representatives to help all students turn words into action.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
Diversity related issues all arise from the fact that there isn’t enough transparency, plain and simple. This makes us feel secluded and segregated according to how we identify ourselves. But what makes Kent State so great is the fact that you and me coming from completely different backgrounds, different ethnicities, different races, different identities come together to bring all of those beautiful aspects that make us unique, educated,and powerful into one place. These when used together, moving forward to make a difference advances the student body, advances Kent State, and advances the future. We have to come together though, all of the differences are what make us stronger, its what makes Kent State home, and it’s what makes this world a better place. And that is my plan of action, to unite us and everything that makes us unique, that makes us who we are and embrace those qualities to ensure a future where, together, we can accomplish anything without bias, without racism, and without prejudice. Together we are strong, and together we are undeniably Kent State.
Matthew Chernesky
Position: Executive Director
Junior, Political Science major
Hometown: Orwell, Ohio
What makes you a representative of the student body?
Like the vast majority of Kent State students I’m not just focusing on academics, but also working my way through college and giving back to the community. I know the struggle of paying for textbooks and saving to pay off student loans. I will continue to listen to the concerns of students from all backgrounds who still face barriers in succeeding at Kent State.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priority if elected will be to ensure accountability and transparency within our student government. We must also work to improve our avenues of communication with our peers, the administration and the local community.
What do you think can be improved on with USG and the campus in general?
What can be improved in USG, and the campus in general, is for us to all realize that we are all agents of change. No matter who you are, I want to foster an environment where everyone understands that they have a capacity to make a difference, whether it is in the classroom or in the community. We are a university of historic activism and we are all afforded an opportunity to better the lives of those around us.
How will USG handle the growing prominence of diversity-related issues on campus?
I have been a tireless advocate for diversity at Kent State. With some passionate staff, I spearheaded the first student-led, university-wide diversity council. I was appointed by the Kent City Council to the Fair Housing Board to ensure that those within the city who are renting or buying property do not experience discrimination. One of the key factors I have learned in fostering diversity is communication, so I would ensure that USG reaches out to our multicultural and international students and groups on campus to determine what areas of collaboration exist and to assess the strong role that we play as an institution with diversity at Kent State.
Zachary Glover
Position: Director of Community Affairs
Senior, Finance major
From USG’s website:
I plan to make all of Kent State feel like home for anyone living here by holding forums for students to connect with local city planners, managers, organizers and property owners.
Making your home here should be easy, so by finding the most effective ways to use the area and tools already at our disposal, we will create a place of freedom and collective service for one another.
I will support and present issues to be solved as far as the retention rate of black, hispanic and other marginalized groups.
Ryan Rylow
Position: Director of programming
Junior, criminology and justice studies major
From USG’s website:
I talked to many students in my college and the biggest complaint that I had encountered was advising.
My first priority would be to have either more advisors available to students, or to make it easier to get in and see an advisor.
Secondly, I want to make myself a resource for students to use to help them on campus … Making college life easier and smoother is a good way to keep retention strong and it will allow students to focus on classes.
