By State Chair, Ola Abimbola
State Chair Abimbola outside the U.S. Capitol
It has been the most enthralling and exhilarating experience to serve as State Chair of Students United. Being State Chair has allowed me to advocate for over 400,000 students at Federal level and 65,000 students at State level on issues pertinent to students across the state of Minnesota.
I can boldly say that I have accomplished the goals set forth at the inception of tenure: I promised to ensure an increase in the synergy, efficiency and camaraderie both internally amongst student leaders and staff, and externally with stakeholders of the Minnesota State system. I am very pleased with the progress our board has made under my leadership and I am truly blessed to work with such passionate and brilliant minds.
I am also delighted that my fellow officers and I have been able to help bring about a wave of positive changes for our organization – changes that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. As a democratic leader, I have always prioritized on inclusive leadership; the board of directors, myself, and fellow officers’ relationship with our professional staff has fostered an increased efficiency and productivity of our organization.
Some of our accomplishments this year include involvement in the signing of the $500,000 OER Bill with Governor Walz, consultation with MinnState RFP process for the International Student Health Insurance, On-campus food pantry funding initiatives including food-drives, voter-registration campaigns, collaboration with university leadership council to ensure the signing of carbon commitment, collaboration with IFO and MinnState office on Equity 2030, and ensuring a tuition freeze for the first half of 2020-2021 academic year.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith and State Chair Abimbola
It must be said that the second half of my tenure has been rather tumultuous with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the excruciating pain and anguish we all have been through as a result of the brutal killing of George Floyd and many others. I believe we can all acknowledge this is a year for growth and change.
As I pass the baton unto the highly experienced and capable hands of our next State Chair, Jonathan McNicholes, I can confidently say that the future of Students United is secure. I would like to thank the Board of Directors, my fellow officers, professional staff, campus staff and MinnState stakeholders for their support and tireless efforts on the verge of creating a more equitable and inclusive Minnesota for all students. It has been the honor of my life to serve.
Student United! United We Stand!