A peek at the life of USUSA President Abraham Rodriguez

With USUSA elections right around the corner, the importance of student representation is a relevant topic on each Utah State University campus. Abraham Rodriguez, the 2023-24 USUSA president, is an integral part of not only the Logan campus, but the statewide campuses as well.  

Rodriguez was born and raised in Cache Valley and started at USU in the fall of 2019 as a first-generation college student. Thanks to parents who taught him the importance of seizing opportunities and working hard for an education, he started his college life focused on doing the best he could in academics. 

“I really look up to both my parents and my uncle,” Rodriguez said. “My mom was always there for me. I’m fortunate that my parents are so supportive. They taught me to appreciate the little things.” 

When Rodriguez came to college, he didn’t love it at the start, but his first semester put him in contact with people who he said changed his life. 

“My first semester here, I wasn’t really involved,” Rodriguez said. “I was very stressed about getting the best grades possible. Once I stepped foot here, I got to meet some key people in my life who guided me through these opportunities.”  

Rodriguez said he started getting more involved through the USU A-Team. After discussing it with a close friend and mentor, he decided to apply. 

“I was able to share my story, and I’m really grateful that the orientation office gave me a shot,” Rodriguez said. “I was stoked. I remember the night I got the acceptance letter. It’s changed the trajectory of my college experience.” 

Rodriguez said he realized the key to enjoying college was to focus on service. He loved feeling a sense of purpose.  

USU president Abraham Rodriguez’s answers his phone located in his office on the third floor of the TSC.

“I learned I wasn’t really happy my first semester, but that’s because I was so focused on myself,” Rodriguez said. “Once I kind of shifted my mindset into what I can do to help others, I’ve found more joy in what I do.” 

As Rodriguez continued getting involved, he realized he loved being a voice for students, and he started to run for elected positions.  

“I wanted to run because I felt there were a lot of changes coming,” Rodriguez said. “I wanted to make sure I left this place better than I found it.” 

After being elected as USUSA president, Rodriguez was put to work almost immediately.  

“I remember vividly as soon as I got elected, they invited me to attend all the commencements statewide,” Rodriguez said. “I made it a goal to attend our three largest campuses in the state. I drove by myself to Blanding, and it was a long drive, but it was beautiful.”  

Rodriguez said the experience was one of his favorites, and it helped him recognize his role in representing every Utah State student on all campuses.  

“We get to serve and represent different communities and give access to so many to education,” Rodriguez said. “It really helped me stay grounded and realize this role comes with a lot of weight and to take it as seriously as possible.”  

He was also taught to take his role as a representative seriously when it came to choosing a new president for the university.  

“The most eye-opening experience has been serving on the board of trustees, especially because after I was inaugurated, I immediately had to step in and help with the presidential finalists and give input in determining who would be the 17th president of Utah State University,” Rodriguez said. 

He believes he and the board made a great decision. 

“As I’ve gotten to know President Cantwell more, I’m just really impressed,” Rodriguez said. “I think we’re fortunate to have her. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Utah State.” 

Rodriguez said he and other elected student body officers are heard, which he explained doesn’t happen at every school.  

USU president Abraham Rodriguez’s gavel sits on his desk in his office on the third floor of the TSC.

“It’s incredible to think about how as an organization, all our elected student body officers get a seat at the table and get to be a voting member. That’s rare at other institutions,” Rodriguez said. “I really appreciate the fact that the president and the trustees try to include me in the conversations.” 

Rodriguez participates in many USUSA councils and committees, some of which include Stater’s Council, Elections Committee, Executive Leadership Board, Logan Executive Council and Statewide Campuses Executive Council. 

He also participates in the Tuition Review Committee, Alumni Association Executive Board, Board of Trustees, Student Life Council, University Physical Resources Planning Committee, University Executive Committee and the Utah Student Association. He chairs several of these and strives to give students perspective in all his meetings. 

“The biggest highlights are working with lots of different stakeholders,” Rodriguez said. “You get to really understand how an institution is operated. It’s been fun to chair student committees.”  

With the number of committees he’s on, Rodriguez is a busy man. However, he still gets involved in more than just his presidential duties. He’s an avid Aggie sports fan and “a student first,” in his own words. He’s also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and good friends with the chapter’s president, Tanner Buttars.  

“When we first rushed SigEp together, I never knew how big of an impact Abe would have on me and the other brothers over the course of the next few years,” Buttars wrote in an email to The Utah Statesman. “No one would have blamed him if he had taken a step back from the fraternity after winning the Exec VP election last year; he had a lot on his plate. And even more so this year with the election to the office of student body president.” 

Buttars said Rodriguez continues to be an active member who mentors the younger members, and he believes Rodriguez is the prime example of what a brother should be, along with an excellent leader and friend.  

Rodriguez is also a dedicated student. He will graduate at the end of this semester with a double major in marketing and public relations and two minors in tech sales and entrepreneurship.  

“We’re in a college campus environment,” Rodriguez said. “We’re here to learn.”  

The Utah Statesman was invited to shadow Rodriguez throughout his day.  

Rodriguez began his day with online classwork before meeting with Eric Olsen, interim vice president for student affairs. He then had a call with the Utah Student Association presidency, a group of student body presidents from across Utah. He hosts his office hours and has a weekly coaching workshop, all before lunch.  

After lunch, he met with Linda Zimmerman, executive director of student involvement and leadership. Zimmerman reviewed his significant meetings and events for the next few weeks, including the upcoming Mountain West basketball championship, a visit to a Connections class and committee meetings. Rodriguez then ran the Logan Executive Council meeting, discussing policies affecting USU.  

A busy day is a regular occurrence for Rodriguez, but he said he is making a difference and is grateful for the opportunity. 

“I care about Utah State, its people,” Rodriguez said. “I always try to take a second to be grateful.” 

Rodriguez feels bittersweet about leaving office soon. He’s excited for Utah State and his new opportunities, but he will miss being involved.  

“What I would define as success when leaving this office is seeing students I’ve interacted with get to the point where they’re driving the change at an institutional level,” Rodriguez said. “It’s cool to have achievements and whatnot, but at the end of the day, people won’t really care what you did; they’ll remember how you made them feel.”  

Rodriguez said being oneself should be the goal of Aggies everywhere, and people love authenticity. 

“Be yourself, and people will love you for who you are,” Rodriguez said.  

Kennedy Thurgood, a program coordinator who helps with the Academic Senate and public relations, discussed Rodriguez’s light he shares wherever he goes. 

“Abe is one of the bubbliest people you’ll ever meet,” Thurgood said. “When he first did his headshots, he took these pictures with his mouth wide open in the biggest smile, so students would know he’s friendly. Everyone loves Abe. He’s so fun and cares about the students.”  

Buttars agreed with Thurgood. He said Rodriguez has impacted his life and the lives of so many at USU. 

“I’m incredibly proud of the man he is, the impact that he has made at USU and his brothers in SigEp, and all else he has done for the community,” Buttars wrote. “I’d take 100 new members if they embodied half of what Abe is. I’m incredibly grateful to have met him and to call him brother.” 

With election season coming up, Rodriguez is leaving big shoes to fill. He had a word of advice for all the candidates.  

“I can only imagine how stressed they are,” Rodriguez said. “It’s definitely hard to put yourself out there, but just think back to your why. I can guarantee you that if that ‘why’ is bigger than yourself, you’ll find a way to get through it.”