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 10 senatorial positions representing 10 academic colleges. There is no candidates running for the senatorial seat for the College of Nursing. The position will be filled by voter write-ins.

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

Senator of Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship

Shane Reese  

Shane Reese is a sophomore finance major. For two years he has been the Director of Civic and Community Engagement for the Male Empowerment Network of Kent State. 

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

A: I am running to adjust and fix issues in the college which I believe will be better for the students to take advantage. Examples are creating and improving study habits for the higher up classes within the college.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A:  I want people to vote for me because I know that with this position, it can help me develop into the leader I know I can be by experience. Not to mention that I am under proud representation of the African American population here at Kent and it is very important that there is diversity within USG and not just one minority.

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: No response was given.

Nashya Poole

Sophomore business management major Nashya Poole is a candidate for senator of the Ambassador Crawford of Business and Entrepreneurship.

“My goal is to earn and maintain the confidence of Kent State’s student body and faculty, through community engagement and programming focused on helping students improve and prepare for their careers post graduation,” Poole’s Instagram campaign post stated.  

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

Senator of College of Aeronautics and Engineering

Nathan Wredberg

Nathan Wredberg is a junior aeronautical systems and engineering technology major. He is currently in training to receive a private pilot’s license over the summer that will lead to his ultimate goal of becoming an astronaut. 

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

A: My main platform is to focus on improving the programs for future and current engineering students, giving them more access to resources to improve their professional skills and to excel academically.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I would like to be elected based on my willingness to help the student body, and my commitment to see these programs and changes through to their completion and ultimate implementation.

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: One specific goal of mine is to get students even more connected with employers, especially freshman and sophomores. As these students enter their majors, it is incredibly important that they are able to see themselves succeeding within that major, and to visualize what they would like to be doing as a career. The sooner that these students find their niche, the sooner they can dive into their respective classes and interests.

Senator of College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Tara Rybar

Tara Rybar is a sophomore construction management major and a project engineer intern for the Aeronautics and Engineering Building addition at Kent State. She is also the event chair holder for the Construction Management Student Organization for the 2022 – 2023 school year. 

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

A: My mission on being the USG Senator for the CAED is to continue the support and benefits that USG provides for all our student organizations that the CAED has. I enjoy dedicating my time to helping students gain the experience and network skills to further their success needed on their career path. I plan to achieve another year of inclusiveness between the CAED and for the voices of our students to be heard.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I believe the skills and experience I have developed these two years have helped me grow and connect within the Construction Management Student Organization and network with many students from architecture and interior design. If I am elected, it is not I who stands here but the support of many faculty, students, friends, companies and the college who want to contribute to this goal.

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: At this moment, I am going to have to discover what those changes will be as I learn about the position more. I bring experience and ideas from my time as an Event Chair for the CMSO. 

Senator of College of Arts 

Hannah Alexander

Hannah Alexander is a junior pre-fashion design/merchandising major.

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

Senator of College of Arts and Sciences

Molly Braniff

Molly Braniff is a freshman environmental studies major and is a member of the Honors College. She currently serves as the Eco-Rep on the Residential Engagement Council of the Allyn and Clark Residence Halls, where she has helped promote sustainability to students on campus through programs. This includes bulletin boards for the campuswide programs of Do it in the Dark and Race to Zero Waste, along with a recycling contest and a booth at Recyclepalooza. 

In her position, she has been able to hear about several issues faced by students across campus, including other students in Allyn and Clark and members of the RECs of other halls. This role has helped her gain interest and significant experience in leadership, which she wants to use to serve students as much as she can if she is elected.  

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

A:  I would like to be able to address the needs and problems that students within the College of Arts and Sciences encounter. I also want to raise more awareness on the resources and opportunities that are available to the students in the college, as doing this can help many of them have a more enriching college experience. For this same reason, I would like to help increase connections between the students and the college and the other members within it through several events, including those that I host, which is also why I want to raise awareness on opportunities in the College of Arts and Sciences. I would generally like to help students feel welcome in the college and comfortable with the education they are receiving and the careers they are pursuing, particularly for those who are incoming first-year students who are going to be adjusting to college life.  

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: While I would like to strengthen my leadership skills, I want to be elected ultimately because I want to be someone who can be there for the students when they feel that they have problems regarding the college or would like to learn more about it in general. I want to make sure that students within my college are listened to and benefitted as much as possible.  

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: As the current senator for the College of Arts and Sciences has wanted to do this year, I would like to change the name of this college. As I have heard about ideas of changing the name, it has made sense to me the more I have thought about it. We have a College of the Arts and a College of Arts and Sciences, which can be confusing because there are two categories of “Arts” that are being separated but not clearly defined with the names of these two colleges. Of course, however, I would make sure to consult with the students in the College of Arts and Sciences before making this change, since my job as their senator would be to serve them and not enact just what I would want.  

Furthermore, as I mentioned that I would like to raise awareness about events and opportunities within the college, I would like to address the problems that come with this, if possible. I was recently made aware that news of some events hosted by the current College of Arts and Sciences Senator have not been displayed as they should be through sources such as mass emails and television screens. I feel that it is important to try to fix this problem because the students will not be able to attend events if they are not aware of them. 

 If elected, I will also be very open to making changes relative to problems I see and that other students bring to me regarding the college in the next academic year.  

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: I am a high-functioning autistic student, so I would like to bring disability representation to USG. Through my work in my role, if I am elected, I want to help other students with disabilities, whether they are leaders or not, understand that they are not alone in their struggles that come with their disabilities. I want to help students with disabilities who feel that they lack confidence in their leadership abilities, as I once did, feel that they do have the capabilities to be strong leaders. 

Adriana Hines

Adriana Hines is a sophomore criminology major with a concentration in justice and human relations from Washington, DC. 

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

A:  I would like to hear from students so that their voices can be heard and their needs can be met.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I hope to bridge the connection between students and Undergraduate Student Government and between students and faculty and staff. 

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A:  I hope to help fellow students achieve their goals. I am super excited to have the opportunity to run and represent the College of Arts and Sciences students. 

Senator of College of College of Communication and Information 

Sprout Dickerson

Sprout Dickerson is a sophomore visual communication design major with a minor in photojournalism. They enjoy hair dye, funky shoes, crocheting and helping others.

Q: What is your platform/issue running for?

A: I served in this position for the 22-23 academic year, and hope to continue some of the goals and projects I began during my work this year. Currently, I am working on expanding facilities such as the Student Resource Lab in Franklin Hall. As a VCD major, I know firsthand how expensive class supplies can be. Financial accessibility is a huge issue within the college climate as a whole and can make a student’s time within CCI that much more difficult. If you can not afford supplies or resources, it can hinder your experience and success as a student. 

CCI offers two resource labs in Franklin and Taylor Hall that provide students with class supplies for periods of time such as cameras, iPads, etc. This year, I am working on expanding those facilities, which is a mission I would like to continue pursuing next year.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I want to be re-elected because USG has shown me how impactful student leadership can be. I have made so many connections with both students and faculty, and it is a very fulfilling feeling to be able to make a change and help others. If re-elected, next year I hope to plan events for the individual schools within CCI to foster community, both within and outside of a student’s major. 

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: I strive to make the student experience within CCI accessible, positive and engaging.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: CCI is an incredible college with so much to offer, and I can not wait to potentially continue my work for the college.

Senator of College of Education, Health and Human Services

Madeline Kantin

Madeline Kantin is a sophomore early childhood education major. Kantin comes from a family of teachers, with her mom and grandma each being one, which inspired her to pursue a career in education. Kantin hopes to make a positive influence for her students, as her mother did for hers.

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

A: I am a part of the Chi Omega sorority where I serve on the executive board. On campus, I am also a member of Hillel. I am currently active in an internship program with Stand With Us, where I was elected as a Kent State representative.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I want to be elected senator of EHHS as I have an outgoing personality that will ensure individuals feel comfortable talking to me.

Q: What changes do you look to enact?

A: My goal is to talk directly to the students, as they are the priority, and our needs need to be met. I am looking to change the EHHS program in ways to make everyone feel included and represented. I want to plan events in order to bring people together. I also want to create a safe space in White Hall with snacks and blankets in order to make students feel more at home.

Keisha Lustin

Keisha Lustin is a junior nutrition major, but also takes pre-med classes. She is a first-generation college student from South Miami, Florida. Lustin’s goal is to go to medical or osteopathic school while also owning a food business.

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

A: I have always been in a leadership position since my freshman year of high school. Throughout those years I was the class secretary and representative, treasurer for an honor society and a whole department, front desk assistant, and president and founder of a drama club.

Throughout my years in college, I have been a Kupita Transiciones mentor, a Student Success Leader for two sections (one being for EHHS), an EHHS mentor, Treasurer and Co-Founder for Health Care Professionals in Color, EHHS senatorial committee member and BUS programming committee member.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: The reason why I want to run is that I am very passionate about seeing my peers succeed academically, socially and mentally.

Q: What changes do you look to enact?

A: I want to promote that along with bringing awareness to different groups within the College of Education, Health and Human Services, such as the different fields within healthcare and education programs and I feel that they are not being represented well. I say this because some clubs are not made to this day or some just made until now, for example, Health Care Professional in Color and Physical Therapy club.

I also hope to be a resource to my peers, to help clubs get the funds they need as well as help my peers get the information they need to succeed outside of the university.

One of the issues I have noticed is the lack of information shared with myself and others around me in which there is not much support on figuring out when and how to go about doing the required internships or research needed to graduate.

One last goal I have is to create a mentorship program, we already have one but I believe it could be more effective. I want to create a mentorship program that would allow current college students to connect with younger high school students and/or freshmen and transfer students. I also want to help current students find mentors with faculty, graduate students and alumni.

Jacob Herbolich

Jacob Herbolich is a junior integrated social studies major. In his free time he enjoys hiking, working out and hanging out with friends.

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

A: My top priority in office would be to get the college of EHHS to increase its diversity and minority education.

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: As future educators, social workers, hospitality workers and so much more, we must have a solid understanding of minoritized groups and how they have been treated throughout history, including in the modern world. Along with increasing diversity and minority education.

Q: What changes you look to enact?

A: I will strive to ensure that all EHHS students are taught important social/emotional skills that will be able to help us better cope with the emotional baggage and stress that can come with our future careers. With these two goals achieved, students in the College of Education, Health and Human Services will be equipped with the necessary skills to not only succeed in our careers, but thrive in our work and our personal lives.

Senator of Honors College 

Shannon Brown

Shannon Brown is a first-year sophomore with a double major in political science and peace and conflict studies with a minor in disability studies and community inclusion from Pittsburgh, PA. 

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

A: I am running on behalf of the Honors College to focus on expanding resources, equity toward honors students and programming. 

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: I wish to be elected to see improvements and change within the Honors College. The pandemic hindered resources, awareness, attendance to events and I want to work to rebuild a stronger community for students inside and outside the Honors College Living-Learning Community. 

Q: What changes do you look to enact? 

A: I will be focusing on larger scale events for commuter and on-campus honors students, students in dorms outside the Living-Learning Community, specifically Centennial Court B and Clark Hall and students in the Honors Leadership Academy.

I also plan to make changes to the Honors Library, advocate for more courses to be offered as honors credits and involve honors resident assistants in event planning for honors students.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: I have a very good relationship with Erin Ahrens, who works with Honors College and USG Senators and the advisor for Honors Leadership Academy, and I look forward to working with the Honors College students and faculty. 

Somtochukwu Abraham

Somtochukwu Abraham is an international student from Nigeria and a sophomore pre-med biology major with an applied math minor. 

Her favorite sport is European football and her favorite team is Manchester United. 

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

A: I am running on behalf of the Honors College to improve the social atmosphere of the college by programming with different colleges at Kent State and improve initiatives that will promote the growth of the Honors College.  

Q: Why do you want to be elected?

A: As a member of the USG Honors Committee, I was able to gain insight to some of the concerns within the college and I hope to be able to bring those voices and opinions to life. 

Q: What changes do you look to enact?

A: I would like to offer more diverse academic and social opportunities to the honors community, work with students to develop new initiatives and raise awareness of existing resources that the college provides. For example, the peer-to-peer mentor program and the research symposium.

I would also like to eliminate the stigma around the Honors College and make other students aware that some Honors College resources are available to all Kent State students. 

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: I would like to work with Clark Hall’s Global Village Living Learning Community to promote community engagement. By doing this, I would like to build a community that is beneficial to everyone and make a positive impact on the lives of all students at Kent State. 

Senator of College of Public Health 

Anaika Summers  

Anaika Summers is a junior public health major. This past semester Summers was a student success leader for one of the first-year classes in College of Public Health and Education, Health and Human Services.   

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

A: Working with fellow students who are passionate about our health on campus and creating a care for this topic is extremely fulfilling and I would love the opportunity to continue this conversation through the 2023-2024 school year.  

Q: Why do you want to be elected?  

A:  I am running to be re-elected for my position as the Senator of Public Health. 

Q: What changes do you look to enact?  

A: My goal for running for USG is to continue my progress of getting knowledge about naloxone across campus to the students. Eventually, I hope to have access to this life-saving drug on campus for students in case of emergency or to be prepared for these situations.  

Anthony Zacharyasz is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].

Kyle Kuchta is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].

Luke Trupo is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].

Skylar Edington is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].

Francesca Malinky is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].