ASUSU: Student Advocate
Working with students and ensuring their college lives run smoother is something student advocate vice presidential candidates Jon Badger and Matt Ekins both feel they can accomplishment if elected.
Badger, a senior majoring in business administration (with an emphasis in marketing) and Ekins, a junior business information systems major, are the finalists for the position.
When asked why he decided to run for the position, Badger said he enjoys working with students and “likes to help people resolve their concerns.”
In the same vein, Ekins said he is willing to be a mediator for students in helping them settle grievances with faculty and the administration. He said he decided to run because it will allow him to be “able to deal with a lot of needs because they come directly to you.”
Badger, who has been involved in the Ombudsman Committee, the Council of Student Clubs and Organizations (CSCO) and served as the president of the USU French Club, feels he is the right man for the job because of his experience and willingness to work with students. Badger is currently the personnel manager at Lee’s Marketplace – a position that allows him to deal directly with employee concerns, he said.
Serving as the Latter-day Saint Student Association president, LDSSA missionary vice president and a member of the President’s Advisory Committee are among the experiences Ekins has had. He said his willingness to work with leadership groups and delegate responsibilities make him a strong candidate.
Both candidates said they plan on keeping the soapbox, instituted by current Student Advocate Vice President Steve Kindred, intact – something Ekins said “is something students have taken great interest to.”
If elected, Badger said he plans on implementing an open-door policy that would make it easier for students to visit him in his office. He said he wants students “to understand he is actually working for the students.”
If elected, Ekins said he plans on working more closely with student parking and helping students become aware of new developments before they are enforced.