Katherine Cookson
Criminology/Political Science major, Junior

What specific responsibilities will you have?

“Essentially, it’s exactly as it sounds. I just advance the student body, whether its through legal services, student conduct or anything with the administration. These concerns could include academics, furthering student scholarships or anything that advances the student body. It’s kind of a round, umbrella position.”

What do you hope to accomplish while in office?

“I’m hoping to create better transparency between the students and the administration, as well as USG. Right now, it feels like there’s no transparency. Student organizations are sitting ten feet from the USG offices and it took stealing the budget to have any idea what is going on. I just want to make sure that the student body in general has a clue what USG is. USG works for them and I think right now they don’t know that. The students don’t know that they have a voice or that USG’s goal is to essentially advocate for them to the university. I also would like to see USG officials not be paid because that feels like a conflict of interest. I’d also rather see more cultural and educational events, instead of just the big concerts.”

What previous experience do you have with student leadership?

“I have a lot of leadership experience through Sigma Sigma Sigma, my sorority, and the College Republicans. I’m an officer for the College Republicans. For Sigma Sigma Sigma, I’ve been the risk manager, I’ve been on social philanthropy and fundraising committees and I’ve worked with alumni relations. I also worked on the PanHellenic Council extension committee, where we brought Phi Mu to campus.”

Why do you think you’ll be best for the position?

“I have the experiences and connections necessary. Unlike my opponent, who says he has the same, doesn’t really seem to follow through. I’ve proven that I can work with the administration. I work with President Lefton daily, and will continue to strengthen that relationship, and can approach the administration very easily. I spoke to Vice President of General Counsel and Governmental Affairs Willis Walker, who said he’s never had a student from USG approach him, which is a big issue.”

Now that College Democrats and Republicans and PRIDE! are not endorsing candidates, what will you do for endorsement?

“I would have loved to have the endorsement from them, but I believe their actions are speaking louder than their words would have if they had endorsed somebody. In a turn of events, I’m endorsing them for their abstention in the USG endorsement process.”

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Eric Dyne
Biochemistry/Biology major, Junior

What do you hope to accomplish while in office?

“Well, I’ve come into a few ideas. For one I would like to review sanctions for student with first offense conduct infractions. So basically if a student hasn’t had a bad history or record within the university I believe they shouldn’t immediately be sent to court. Also, I want the university to increase prestige for what students and groups of students are doing. For example, if a sorority raises $40,000 for hearing impaired children, this is something the university should showcase. I want to show the good things our students are doing and put KSU at a high ranking in that regard. Then also, I want to improve ADA (American Disabilities Act) requirements on campus. Like, this morning I saw a car with a handicapped sticker in the window but it wasn’t a KSU handicapped sticker so there was a ticket on the car. I think sometimes people deserve a break. Lastly, I want to make sure to fulfill all my promises. From being in USG this past year as a senator-at-large, I have an idea of what works and what doesn’t, the things we can and can’t accomplish. I want to make sure I don’t go in promising anything that I can’t bring out in the end.”

What specific responsibilities will you have?

“I’ll be a judicial advocate, meaning that I work with students on conduct issues. Basically I’m there to guide students through the process and let them know what their rights are. I’ll also be required to attend weekly director meetings. And most of all just build a good relationship with the undergraduate proponent on campus.”

Why are you running?

“Well, from being in USG this past year, I’ve really fallen in love with it. I want the opportunity to talk with different groups on campus about what can be done and I really just want to be a part of USG’s progression. I think there’s a great year in store for us after this election and I would really like to see all my ideas become reality.”

What previous experience do you have with student leadership?

“I’ve been a Student Success Leader and am still active with that program. In SSL, I’ve taught three classes. I love doing FYE classes and loved that interaction with the freshman students and transfer students. My freshman year I ran for an officer position with the America Medical Student Organization (AMSA) and received that. And I’m also an officer within the Office of Student Conduct.”

Now that College Dems/Reps and PRIDE! aren’t endorsing any candidates, what will you do for endorsements?

“I guess I’m lucky because I’m bipartisan so I wasn’t really tied to any of those groups specifically. I was to represent everyone so my goal is to reach out to a variety of student groups and let them all know I’m willing to help. Whether it be a Greek organization or maybe BUS or AALANA and so on, I want to make myself a resource to all these people to help them consider what can be done and then make it happen. Other than that, I’ll just be talking with everyone I can. I think just building relationships, especially with the freshman and newer students, encouraging them to get out and vote.”