Editor’s Note: All interviews were conducted via email question-and-answer responses.

Undergraduate Student Government elections for the 2023-2024 academic year open at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 21 and close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 22. The positions up for election include one president, eight directors and 10 senators representing 10 academic colleges. 

This year, there are 14 candidates competing across eight directorship positions. 

The link for voting can be found on its website, Instagram and Twitter.

Director of Academic Affairs

Olivia Eader 

Olivia Eader is a second-year environmental studies and English major with a minor in Italian studies and geography. She is currently the Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, which made her love not only student leading but also being an advocate for her peers.

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: As a current member of USG, I know one of the issues for students is the limited access to our library and its resources, and I am committed to improving this. 

As someone who has experienced the challenges of joining USG without prior experience, I understand the importance of setting clear expectations for the Academic Senate. I also want to provide support as they navigate their sometimes-daunting roles as liaisons between students and faculty. 

Another priority for me is to continue building relationships with faculty members. As a non-voting member, I would see and hear what faculty members are doing in their senate meetings and relay them back to USG. I particularly want to work with them to establish a project for how they can take action concerning their Land Acknowledgement, which was made earlier this academic year. I am committed to making sure Kent State does not stop at acknowledgment and takes further steps toward meaningful actions.

My overall goal is to provide students with a college experience they not only deserve but were promised when they chose Kent State University. I will advocate for the university we want to see by working collaboratively with students, faculty and other USG members. 

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I want to be elected because I know that I can help students and help change Kent for the better. When we all came to Kent, we were promised a certain level of education and we deserve to get it. I want to be an advocate for students and this position would allow me the opportunity. I have learned a lot in my role as senator in terms of building relationships with faculty members so I would like to apply these skills to my potential role as Director of Academic Affairs.

Q: What are changes you look to enact?

A: There are four major goals I would like to accomplish if given the chance to hold this position and they are as follows, in no particular order. 

I understand the struggles of coming into USG without any experience and being extremely overwhelmed with the expectations and the feeling of no guidance. This is why I want to set clear goals and expectations for the Academic Senate that way they are performing as efficiently as possible and so that our senators feel supported and students feel represented. 

As senator, I have worked on creating a space that is inclusive and works to support underrepresented students. This first began once I saw that the university had decided to publish a Land Acknowledgement but nothing else was established to support current and future Indigenous students. I would like to ensure that there are systems in place to support these students and also educate others. 

I know the struggles of needing a place to study and the library closing or not being open when I need it to. This is why I want to continue to work with the Dean of Libraries to get hours extended so that off-campus and commuter students can have access to study spaces on campus during non-business hours.

Finally, I want to make sure that students are being supported by their professors and the latter are being held accountable. There are a lot of issues that are happening that are going unnoticed so I would like to not only establish a place where students can report this but also help design a system that will aid in helping them. It can be hard to report a professor for something, I know first-hand, and I would like to help other students with this.

 And, of course, I want to hear from students on what issues they face and how I can best help them.

Zach Graves 

Zach Graves is a sophomore political science major with a minor in public relations. Currently, he is one of USG’s first-year interns.

Outside of USG, he is a member of the Kent State Chorale, which is one of the university’s choirs. He enjoys singing, participating in musical theatre and learning about politics.

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: I am running on the platform of building a more productive relationship between students and faculty, extending the hours of the library to ensure students have adequate access to its many resources and publishing a survey for students to express their concerns regarding academic policy. 

Also, continuing the development of a program to make caps and gowns more accessible for students who cannot afford to purchase them for graduation, hosting an event or fundraiser to make a real-world difference in regards to the Land Acknowledgment statement passed by the Faculty Senate, which will enhance diversity, equity and inclusion on our campus and more.

I hope to make all these ideas of change become a reality as your Director of Academic Affairs.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: Since I started college this year at Kent and got involved with USG, I have become more aware of the countless avenues for students to create meaningful change on campus. 

As a first-year intern, I collaborated on creating an Advocacy Toolkit to help students better understand how they can make a difference through student advocacy. I worked on marketing Change in a Flash, which is a great way for students to be the change they wish to see. I also got to see the many events and partnerships other members of USG participated in. Their work inspires me to continue advocating, continue being a bringer of change and continue helping students. 

I hope to continue to represent the student body in USG. That is why I am running for Director of Academic Affairs and that is why I am the best candidate for this position. 

Q: What are changes you look to enact?

A: Going off my platform, one of the main issues I hope to focus on is continuing to develop a program to make caps and gowns available for underprivileged students who need them for graduation. As an intern, I am working on this program with the current Director of Academic Affairs and I would like to expand upon this program as the Director of Academic Affairs to make the program as comprehensive as possible, and available as soon as possible. 

Another one of my focusing issues is working toward making a real-world difference in regard to the Land Acknowledgment passed by the Faculty Senate. I got this idea when a professor of mine read the statement out loud and included it in her class syllabus. I thought the statement was a great start, but that doing something more substantial and real would be more effective, which is why I want to host an event or fundraiser to support indigenous populations on and off our campus. I hope to collaborate with the Faculty Senate on this issue to ensure we are working toward a common goal of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: This election is so important, and I urge everyone to vote, vote, vote! 

Director of Business and Finance

Jack Hooper  

Jack Hooper is a sophomore computer science major with a concentration in data engineering. He chose his concentration after working with Dr. Javed Khan through the Choose Ohio First program. While working with him, Hooper became really interested in data science and the organization with it. He also has been working with computers for about the past five or so years now. From coding to repairing, he enjoys it all. 

Hooper loves listening and singing to music as well as playing video games. 

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

 A: My platform mainly focuses on continuing to give back to the undergraduate body. 

The first part of that is continuing the work done by the current Director of Business and Finance, Grace Schick, in a system that will allow registered student organizations, and individual undergrads who have built up a reputation with the allocations board to receive funding past the max limit per semester that is put into place. 

The second part is to make club sports more accessible to those who are not able to participate because of financial reasons. This would be in the form of a new funding request where undergraduates would be able to receive funding for equipment necessary to participate in a club sport. 

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

 A: I want to be elected because I am very passionate and excited about this part of USG. As much as I hate to say it, money is the key for opportunities, and I have truly enjoyed being able to fund individual undergraduates and registered undergraduate student organizations for the past two years.

Q: What are changes you look to enact?

 A: A sped-up timeline on students receiving their funding after a request has been passed, as well as the club sports funding request and continuing the system Schick has set up.

 Q: Anything else you would like to add?

 A: I have been on the allocations board for the past two years ever since Schick invited me in fall 2021. In that time, I have developed one of the key tools that we use that allows the members of the board to understand how the request is broken down and where the funding is being allocated for every request. In addition, this tool allows all the members of the board to see in real time how much is actually going to be allocated and if any changes need to be voted on before the final vote is cast. To put in perspective, the old way that this was used to be done was by passing around a piece of paper so all of the members could be informed.

Rose Martyn 

Rose Martyn is a sophomore psychology and anthropology major. She loves being involved on campus, and is a part of many different organizations. 

In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing and spending time with friends and family.

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: My platform focuses on two main points. 

The first point is to get the word out about the allocations process. It is such an incredible opportunity that most students at Kent State do not know about. It is important to me that every student has the ability to take advantage of this amazing process. 

The second point in my platform is to raise the amount of money that people can request. Being on the allocations committee for the past two years, I have seen first-hand how common it is for students and organizations to not have as much money as they need. This means that students and organizations often have to pay a large sum of money out of pocket. If elected, I will work to raise the amount of money that can be requested by individuals and organizations.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I love Kent, and because of that, I am always striving to make it better. Being on the allocations committee for the past two years has allowed me to understand what can be improved on. I want to be elected to make improvements that will benefit all students and organizations. Kent is already great, but I want to help make it even better.

Q: What are changes you look to enact?

A: In order to accomplish the goals laid out in my platform, I would make a few changes. 

To help spread the word about allocations, I would have it listed with the other resources on campus during First Year Student Experience classes. This would ensure that all first-year students would be aware of the allocations process.

I would also create a specific allocations Instagram to not only help spread the word about allocations but also to help market allocations-funded programs. 

I would also work to increase the amount of money students can request. Specifically, I would like to implement a system for conference funding in which larger groups can receive larger amounts of money. 

Abygail Deemer 

Abygail Deemer is a freshman biology major with a chemistry minor. She is currently currently a first-year intern in Undergraduate Student Government. 

She has loved all of the time and experiences she has gained working alongside the current USG body.

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: Through my time in USG thus far, I observed many of the financial needs both inside and outside of the organization. I understand the opportunities that can come from the funding provided to not only members of USG but the student body as a whole and I would like to make such opportunities well known and accessible to students.

I will hold the experience of students very highly in the position because I am aware that the Director of Business and Finance is capable of exposing students to opportunities the Kent State campus cannot always provide for them, a job in which I am more than delighted to do.

I would also like to make changes toward the allocation of money to clubs on campus in order to make extended funding available and more easily accessible. 

On top of this, I want to make internal USG funding requests simpler and more clear-cut so the Undergraduate Student Government budget can be more effectively utilized, making additional events for the student body even more attainable.

 Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I want to be elected because I have seen first-hand the changes that members on USG can make and the positive impact such changes have made. I want to continue to be a part of that and I am prepared to work even harder than I did this year. 

I specifically chose to run for Director of Business and finance because I am known to be extremely organized and precise in my work. In this role, I would like to make adjustments to the current system in an effort to make the position my own while bringing positive change. Along with organization, I am an excellent communicator. This is necessary for a position such as Director of Business and Finance because without communication issues can easily arise. In an effort to prevent that, I am going to make it a point to communicate all problems to the necessary parties before further complications arise. The ideas regarding organization and communication are all results of my extensive past in leadership and the skills I have learned from previous endeavors are skills I would love to put into this position. 

I believe that I excel at positions with structure and appreciate the decisive nature of Director of Business and Finance. I feel that I have the skills necessary to act as an outstanding Director of Business and Finance and would like to be elected for that reason.

Q: What are changes you look to enact?

A: The largest change I would like to enact is a change in funding structure for the funding of clubs. The current structure appears to be more difficult and tedious than necessary. With that goal in mind, I have recently taken the time to meet with representatives from nearby Ohio schools to discuss the current systems they are using along with the pros and cons of such systems. 

I would also like to instate a group meeting with a representative from each campus club to discuss how to apply for funding and the rules and regulations behind it. 

Furthermore, I would like to make small changes to the allocations during the year to make it less time consuming in a way that benefits all involved parties. Internally for Undergraduate Student Government, I would like to make the internal funding process shorter to lower turnaround time on student events and initiatives. In general, I would like to make funding processes simpler and more efficient to benefit the general student body.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: As the Director of Business and Finance, I want to use the skills that I have learned to provide as many opportunities to the student body as possible and ensure a trouble-free year ahead.

Director of Community Affairs  

Emmanuel David

Emmanuel David is an an international student from Nigeria and a senior computer science major. He currently serves as a first-year intern with USG and is on the Black United Students’ programming committee. 

In his free time, he volunteers for groups on campus because it is one of the ways he is able to connect with people outside the classroom.

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: As an advocate for change, my platform for the position of Director of Community Affairs is focused on empowering the community and driving change, innovation, inclusion and involvement and raising the bar for student leadership.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: As a Nigerian, I understand the need to give back to my immediate community wherever I find myself, and in this case, it is the city of Kent and Portage County by extension. 

Since my first semester, I’ve been an active member of KSU Habitat for Humanity and volunteered at every community worksite we have had. 

As a member of USG, I put myself forward for engagements that concern the community that USG organizes. 

I think a person who is invested and dedicated to the community should represent the student body in community affairs. I believe myself to be such a person.

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: The current Director of Community Affairs has been doing amazing work, and she is going to leave big shoes to fill. The community is welcoming to us as students, but more can still be done. I plan to build on the relationships that the current director has cultivated, and work on implementing what is on my platform. 

Also as a commuter, I would work on improving transparency and communication with commuting students and the university because we are ambassadors of the university to our host community Kent.

Abigail Prusha

Abby Prusha is a freshman psychology major. She is currently on Delta Zeta’s Executive Board as Vice President of Administration. 

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: I hope to bridge any gaps between the KSU campus and the community. I hope to continue the most important projects that were started by the person before me as well as implement some of my own like safe ride transportation, adjustments to parking services on campus, as well as effective transportation both late at night and further off campus than what is currently provided.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I have not been involved with USG in the past but I want to make a positive impact on the Kent State campus and running for an elected position is a great way to do that. 

As the Director of Community Affairs, I want to use the skills that I have learned through previous endeavors to provide as many opportunities to the student body and the community as possible, but also to ensure an awesome year ahead.

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: I would like to hear from the student body what they feel the community can provide for us and similarly what we can provide for them. I would do this effectively through open forum communication with both students and major community members.

Director of Communication & Marketing 

Atira Wong

Atira Wong is a junior communications major from Maryland. She is involved on campus in a few different organizations. She is the Co-Director of Marketing & Communications for Sister Circle and a member of Golden Reflections Dance Team.

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: My goal if elected is to improve our social media presence, engage and bring more awareness to smaller student organizations and advertise more of the benefits of USG to our student body.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I would like to be elected because USG has a big impact on the students of this campus and their college experience and I would like to be a part of making sure they enjoy their time here at Kent State.

Q: What changes do you look to enact?

A: In the past, the people who have held this position have upheld a great standard and I would like to continue to uphold the integrity of the position while staying true to my platform. If elected I plan to focus on my goals to connect with the student body more and make the benefits of USG well known, especially to smaller organizations.

Director of Governmental Affairs 

Jessie Starkey

Jessis Starkey is a sophomore political science major with a history and pre-law minor. She plays rugby and is the Vice President of Kent State Women’s Rugby. 

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: While carrying out the duties of the Director of Governmental Affairs, I will create an environment of acceptance and a community where students can share their ideas. In the past year, I have increased voter engagement from 4% to 18% on campus. I wish to continue to educate the students on the importance of voter registration. I have done this through legislation, statements and social media.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A:  For the years 2021-2022, I served on the Governmental Affairs Committee and Sustainability Committee. I have planned two advocacy trips, where USG goes to the Ohio State House to advocate on behalf of the student body and their civic rights. 

I am currently the Director of Governmental Affairs. I have enjoyed my time in this position and have seen how much I can contribute. I hope to continue my work and increase civic engagement.

Q: What changes do you look to enact?

A: Education is so important but can be difficult to access or know where to begin, this is something I have been working on during this term and will continue to do so.

I also am working to utilize the resources at Kent State for example the organization Kent State Votes to continue to help the students increase their civic interest and understanding. 

Director of Programing

Mary Jewell

Mary Jewell is a sophomore sports administration major with a data analytics minor. She has been involved in USG since her freshman year. Jewell has been the Allocations Vice Chair, Programming Vice Chair and Assistant to the Director of Student Involvement.

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: I am dedicated to making student voices not only heard but also listened to. I plan on using my term to host different events to reach all types of students as well as effectively use the budget given for this position.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I want to be elected because I am passionate about helping students at our university feel like this is the place for them. Through the different events I am planning to host through USG, I hope to create a welcoming and fun environment. I want students to have something to look forward to throughout the year.

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: In terms of what types of events I want to plan, some smaller scale, more intimate events like comedy shows or moderated Q&A’s are what is on my mind. I also am planning on doing outreach programs like Instagram reels or reaching out to different student organizations to help students feel more comfortable with coming to USG meetings or to our office.

Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson is a junior public health major with a concentration in allied health and a minor in African studies. He has been a student leader on campus by being the Director of Programming for Black United Students, a McNair Scholar, a Kupita Transiciones Mentor and a resident assistant.

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: My mission is to create a more diverse atmosphere on the Kent States campus and within USG by hosting events that all groups of students would feel welcomed and comfortable attending. I feel that USG oftentimes lacks representation, and my goal is to connect minority communities to USG in a more positive and resourceful way.  

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I want to be elected because I have a huge passion for program/event planning. I currently serve as the Director of Programming for Black United Students, and it has been the biggest highlight of my collegiate experience. 

If I was not as far along with receiving my BSPH, I would have switched my major to Hospitality and Event Management. 

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: A change I would like to enact is getting students’ input on who they would like to see for Homecoming and FlashFest and interacting with the student body more so they feel comfortable enough to approach me with suggestions regarding who they would like to see.

Also, constantly promoting diversity and inclusion with events hosted by USG so students know that it is a safe a welcoming environment for all.

Director of Student Advancement

Seth Young

Seth Young is a senior neuroscience pre-med major with chemistry and public health minors. He currently serves as the USG Director of Academic Affairs and Interfraternity Council President.

Young is also involved with fraternity and sorority life at Kent State and serves as an intern in addition to being an academic tutor and resident assistant.

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: The platform and issues that I am running for are a continuation of a lot of my past years of work in USG. As I was able to message our current Director of Student Advancement this past summer with a video about how the campus was able to bring contraceptives to their campus, I thought this would be a great idea for our campus. Throughout the year, there were plenty of challenges, and this work had been put on pause many times, but with the platform of Director of Student Advancement, I believe that this goal of mine can finally get done. Along with this, I noticed in the fraternity side of campus, many individuals are struggling to speak up about their emotions, especially after the past traumatic events of COVID-19 that we all faced. So as mental health has been declining, I want to work with our various mental health services to have them come out and show that people can talk to people about their feelings.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: As these are my main ideas behind my platform, I want to really emphasize the reason that I want to be elected is because of you all. I know that I will not be able to be successful in my position unless I receive the support from you because how can I help advance the students if I do not have multiple students’ perspectives? I want to be able to support the student body the best ways possible, and I cannot do that without you.

Q: What changes do you look to enact?

A: To summarize, the changes that I want to bring are: 24/7 low-cost and free contraceptive dispensers on campus, increased presence of mental health services on campus, a transparent and open line of communication to the students to voice concern and most importantly an increased feeling of belonging on campus.

Aimée Flores

Senior psychology major Aimée Flores is running for Director of Student Advancement.

Flores’ goals include creating transparency with the Office of Student Conduct, reforming and creating a system for condemning hate speech and taking preventative action to deter hate speech from appearing on campus again, according to her Instagram campaign post.

They did not respond to KentWired’s multiple attempts for comment.

Director of Student Involvement 

Aiyana Ncube

Aiyana Ncube is a junior human development and family science major. She currently serves as USG’s Senator-at-Large for Diversity and a Lead Tour Guide at Westfield Campus Tour Center.

Q: What is your platform/issues you are running for?

A: In my position as Senator-at-Large for Diversity, I have become extremely passionate about fostering a sense of belonging within the student body, which can be promoted by student involvement. Student involvement has been shown to boost retention rates and college satisfaction. 

As an out-of-state student, being involved on campus provided me with a safety net that made Kent feel more like home. I have gained various skills, met friends I know I will have for a lifetime and grown into the most authentic version of myself. However, I understand that there are many barriers that prevent students from becoming involved on campus.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: As Director for Student Involvement, it is my goal is to ensure that all students, especially those with marginalized and underrepresented identities, have equitable access to involvement opportunities across campus.

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: One way I will do this is by incentivizing student organizations to expand their knowledge in the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. Providing student organizations with educational opportunities in topics like accessibility, inclusive leadership and implicit bias will help build an overall campus culture of belonging.

Jillian Schrift is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected]. 

Jocy Holtsberry is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].

Alex Zito is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].