Guest column: Students are thankful for Vice President Morales
Amidst coverage of the Student Affairs Division’s “leadership change,” I feel the need to commemorate the work of former Vice President for Student Affairs, James Morales, on behalf of Utah State University students. From large-scale initiatives to individual empathy, VP Morales leaves a lasting, widespread legacy.
I’ve experienced moments where I felt lost, like I didn’t belong, and like dropping out. Fortunately, I had people in my corner that supported me when I needed help and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Vice President Morales is one of those people.
As a Latino, first-generation college student, I look up to VP Morales. When I asked to interview him for a leadership paper, he took the time to meet with me. He proceeded to give me advice that inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and run for the position I currently hold. I thought I was incapable of serving in a leadership role, but he told me I was capable of doing whatever I set my mind to as long as I had the heart and the grit to make it happen.
Submitted by Abraham Rodriguez
VP Morales has changed my life and those of countless students throughout his tenure. To better understand his impact over the last thirteen years, I reached out to the former student body presidents who worked closely with him.
Tyler Tolson (2009-11) was on VP Morales’s hiring committee. “James was a clear choice. We could tell that he was a servant leader.”
VP Morales supported students and leaders in accomplishing their goals. Trevor Sean Olsen (2015-16) shared, “He would never say ‘no’ to students. He empowered everyone. Even if it’s telling them it won’t work out how they envision it, he helps them find a new way.”
Lucas Stevens (2021-22) explained, “James is at the center of every major advancement for students over the last thirteen years— whether it was in a direct leadership, supportive, or advisory role, he significantly contributed.”
Some of these projects related to campus include spearheading the robust, multi-year creation of the Aggie Recreation Center and Aggie Legacy Fields, renovations of the Taggart Student Center, and the Mural Competition.
“A lot of the things we love around campus are due to James,” said Sami Ahmed (2019-21).
Doug Fiefia (2013-15) stated, “In my time at USU, there was no bigger advocate for student voice, fees, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Our culture made huge improvements in terms of DEI under VP Morales’s leadership. Some items we can point to are the formation of the Inclusion Center and many student cultural groups, free menstrual products in restrooms, and designated gender-inclusive housing.
VP Morales also demonstrated a commitment to transparency and providing students with mental health resources and basic needs. He consistently commented in the Statesman, fought to increase Counseling and Psychological Services funding, and advocated for the Student Health and Wellness Center to hire a psychiatrist.
Olsen described, “He has his own budget from the university, and he set a large chunk of that aside to help students in financial need.” This hardship fund helped students dealing with situations like abuse at home or unemployment. VP Morales elevated the issue of food insecurity and supported the Student Nutrition Access Center in serving struggling students.
Michael Scott Peters (2017-18) observed, “There’s a lot that he oversaw as VP, but in everything that he did, he thought about the one, not just the generic public, but all corners of all campuses.” Through VP Morales’s support, students on campuses throughout the state began to be represented and were united within our student government.
Not to mention his work in strengthening university recruitment and providing students with safe campus experiences through COVID. Everything mentioned is just the tip of the iceberg. He assisted in countless developments without credit that have benefited students. I couldn’t fit all of them into an entire issue of the Statesman, let alone a column.
Erik Mikkelsen (2011-12) commented, “He leaves a great legacy at USU. But his greatest contribution isn’t in the policies, structures, or budget allocations, but in the lives he touched… He’s a great example to me for the teams I lead, not being out in front taking the credit but being behind, coaching, and lifting up.”
In terms of his personal qualities and leadership, Stevens remarked, “James is the pinnacle of professionalism and integrity… He embodies the best qualities of the Aggie family.”
Ahmed recalled, “James is always very positive. He never said anything negative to me about anybody, especially university leaders.”
Ashley Waddoups (2016-17) said, “He was extremely approachable and you could tell he sincerely cared about students.”
Christian Thrapp (2012-13) remembered, “I know that in careers, some people can get really cutthroat about stuff, but James always looked for opportunities where students and administration won.”
Submitted by Abraham Rodriguez
In addition to his example of true leadership, VP Morales’s personal impact is enduring.
Tolson wrote, “He was and will continue to be a mentor to students. I connect with James multiple times a year to this day, even 11 years after I worked with him in ASUSU. I lead my company today with the same principles I learned from him.”
“The real magic of James’ leadership is his ability to connect with the individual. Time and time again, I saw students funnel into his office. Whether it was a problem in school or at home, he helped them solve the issues they were going through.” shared Fiefia.
Jaren Hunsaker (2018-19) said, “I can’t thank him enough. Whenever I look back at USU, my time there is always filled with memories of James… He was the most committed person to his role that I met at USU.”
Evident through his systemic and personal legacy, VP Morales has set the standard of someone who’s dedicated to serving USU students. VP Morales’s successor has big shoes to fill, and we deserve someone who will be just as passionate, accessible, and empowering.
On behalf of students, past and present, thank you, Dr. Morales.
Abraham Rodriguez is the USUSA executive vice president. He is a senior studying marketing and public relations.