Sam (she/they) is a student at St. Cloud State University, and is applying for the position of Vice Chair and Treasurer.
The responses to the application questions are unedited and are written by the candidate. Why are you interested in this specific officer position?
I’m excited to apply for both the Vice Chair and Treasurer positions at Students United because I truly believe in the mission of the organization and want to contribute in both a strategic and operational capacity. Having gained hands-on experience with the Community Leader Fellowship program in which one of my responsibilities was managing invoices and overseeing financial aspects of our organization, I feel confident in my ability to effectively serve as Treasurer. In this role, I would ensure the organization's financial integrity and transparency, helping to build a solid foundation for our continued growth.
That said, I’m equally excited about the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair. While I’ve developed a strong foundation in finance, I am eager to step into a more strategic and leadership-focused role. I’m motivated by the idea of contributing to big-picture decisions and collaborating with fellow officers to ensure Students United remains a powerful voice for students. As Vice Chair, I would have the opportunity to expand my leadership experience while still supporting financial processes and the State Chair, and I’m ready to take on more responsibility to drive meaningful change.
Please describe your understanding of Students United Having been with the organization for nearly two semesters now, I view Students United is a dynamic and student-centered organization that works to amplify the voice of students at the seven Minnesota State Universities. The organization is dedicated to advocating for student needs—whether that’s working toward affordable tuition, improving student resources, or advocating for student rights at the state level. Its core values lie in connecting students with the larger political and social landscape, ensuring their perspectives and needs are heard and addressed. Truly one of a kind and crucial to the state, it is a platform where students can come together to create positive, lasting change across Minnesota.
Please describe your understanding of the role officers play at Students United During my time of working closely with them, the officers at Students United serve as the guiding force behind the organization making key decisions that shape the direction of the work and help shed light on student voices. Students United has always highlighted and amplified student voices, and officers are just at the forefront of this representation ensuring that their concerns are addressed and their needs are heard. The three officer positions—State Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer—are integral to the organization's success, each with its own unique responsibilities.
The Treasurer ensures that financial processes are transparent and that the organization uses its resources wisely to benefit students, keeping financial operations in check while supporting the broader mission. The Vice Chair plays a vital supporting role by assisting the Chair in executing the organization’s strategic vision and managing key relationships with students, campus leaders, and state officials. The State Chair, as the primary spokesperson, ensures that the organization’s priorities are met, and that communication with both students and external stakeholders is clear and impactful.
By being elected to any of these positions, you become part of a tradition of student leaders working to make Minnesota a better place for all students. Officers consult with the Executive Director on proposals and programs, chair Board meetings, and work closely with the Board of Directors and ensure that relationships with the Chancellor’s office and other student organizations are well-maintained. They are central to shaping the direction of Students United and helping ensure that it remains impactful and effective in advocating for the needs of Minnesota State University students.
What goals do you have for this position and/or for Students United?
As Treasurer, my primary goal is to manage the finances of Students United with transparency, efficiency, and accountability. I’ve had hands-on experience with financial processes in this organization, particularly with invoicing, which has given me insight into the financial side of our operations. I’m passionate about ensuring that every dollar we spend contributes directly to our mission of student advocacy and empowerment. I believe in making financial decisions that are not only responsible but also aligned with the long-term goals of Students United. By strengthening our budgeting processes and improving the way we track expenses, I want to help ensure that we’re maximizing our resources and impacting as many students as possible.
If I were to serve as Vice Chair, my goal would be to amplify the voices of students and make sure their needs are met across all Minnesota State Universities. I am passionate about connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring they feel heard and represented. I’ve always believed that leadership is about empowering others and giving them a platform, and I want to bring that mindset to this role. By working closely with the Chair and the Board, I hope to help shape a vision that truly reflects the diverse needs of our student body. I want to work on building stronger connections between Students United and students on every campus, increasing engagement, and ensuring that we continue to support students in meaningful ways.
As an international student, I bring upon a unique perspective, particularly regarding the challenges faced by international students in the current climate. I believe this new administration can provide a critical opportunity to address these issues, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have equal access to resources and opportunities.
What drives me the most is my belief in the power of student voices and the need for accessible opportunities for everyone. I am deeply committed to advocacy and social justice, especially when it comes to making sure that marginalized communities have a seat at the table. Whether it’s ensuring equitable access to resources, creating more opportunities for student involvement, or amplifying underrepresented voices, I believe in change-making work.
Both as Treasurer and Vice Chair, I would bring my dedication to making a positive impact, my strong organizational skills, and my passion for empowering students to make a real difference. I truly believe that my ability to connect with others, my understanding of organizational processes, and my commitment to advocating for students would make me a valuable asset to Students United. Above all, I want to continue fostering an environment where students feel supported, where their voices matter, and where they can see tangible changes in their university experience.
Is there anything else you would like the Board of Directors and the public to know? I’m very vocal about my connection and commitment to advancing the goals of Students United and bringing a fresh, student-centered perspective to the table and I hope that reflects throughout my application. Students United gave me a chance to practice my advocacy and build my self confidence from scratch. Despite my later start at the organization due to some medical reasons, I was always welcomed and heard, which I am eternally grateful for. I met amazing leaders filled with ambition and passion for shared causes which only pushed me more to get back on my feet after having been through the hardships I faced last semester. This organization is not only a platform for advocacy but a space for acceptance of students which is so important in this isolating environment of today where support in higher education is ever lacking.
My experience in financial management, coupled with my passion for student advocacy, makes me excited about the possibility of contributing to this organization in both the Treasurer and Vice Chair roles. I believe that whether managing finances or helping shape strategic decisions, my dedication to student needs and collaboration can contribute a lot to a greater cause. I’m ready to take on more responsibility and contribute to making Students United an even more powerful voice for Minnesota students.