WEB EXTRA: Candidates offer their qualifications for office

The following summaries of candidates running for office in the upcoming ASUSU elections. The information in this section was taken directly from materials provided by each candidate, including their background and goals. The candidates are not listed in alphabetical order, but rather the “random order” of how the candidates will be listed on the ballot, as determined by the Elections Committee. The primary election is a run-off election, paring each office down to two candidates who will face each other in the final election.

President

Steve Palmer, is a junior Finance major from Salt Lake City. His experience includes, ASUSU Extension VP , LDSSA Recruitment Vice President, Business Council Executive VP, STAB Chair, Ombudsman Committee, and Special Olympics chair.

Steve’s top goals for the office are to implement ASUSU Student Advisory Council with membership taken from CSCO to strongly enhance communication between ASUSU and students; put the “A” back on the mountain by working closely with the Logan community; effectively work with new administration while maintaining the utmost loyalty to USU students; explore the possibilities of improving current recreational facilities; and involve extension students in the ASUSU decision making process through interactive forums.

‘”Hands of Experience’ is my slogan and the reason you should consider me for President,” Palmer said. “Because I have a proven track record as ASUSU Vice President, you can be sure that our school will remain in good hands.”

Junior, Shane Larsen from Smithfield, is a Liberal Arts major. His experience includes serving on the PLC executive cabinet as Dir. of President’s Ambassadors, SAA Exec. Council as Special Events Chair, a three-year member of SAA, with two years on the council, three years as member of Presidents Leadership Council, and served as a University tour guide.

If elected Larsen hopes to facilitate the updating for student directory information, while encouraging students to do so; lobby for returned state funding to the Disability Resource Center; reach extension sites by knowing the individual sites needs, and plan activities accordingly; continue the standard of leadership excellence set by previous presidents; and represent USU student body to the best of my ability with sincere concern and care.

“I love this student body, I love this school, and I love being a part of it,” Larsen said. “All my goals and plans are rooted in this love. I am running for the love of all this school means to me. Hopefully, that love is reflected through this campaign.”

Kuna, Idaho, native Bradley Bishop is a junior LAS – Pre-med major. His experience is serving as ASUSU Student Advocate VP, Interfraternal Council President, Sigma Chi Fraternity President, and Fall leadership facilitator.

Bishop hopes to implement the tuition payment plan; publicize student forums monthly; marketing plan for ASUSU; eliminate run around for registration; and mandatory training for academic advising (development and implementation).

“My goal is to make this campus a friendly place, somewhere that students can get the advising they need and avoid the run around, I am to be accessible to students and be their defender,” Bishop said.

Matt Croshaw is a junior from Logan majoring in Speech and Business Management. His experience includes LDSSA VP over activities, business council as business ambassador VP, Student Alumni Association Exec. board served as chairman of Senior sendoff, Student alumni and STAB volunteer, and USU Fall leadership conference facilitator.

His goals are to work to increase financial aid and funds as tuition increases; make financial aid available based on need as well as merit; create opportunities and provide a system for groups to effectively express concerns; bring ASUSU to students; and increase accountability of ASUSU officers.

“My goal is to help provide opportunities through financial aid, involvement, and education for every student to succeed here at USU, and to confidently succeed in the future.”

Junior, Dan Hills, is an Economics major from Mukilteo, Washington. He has been a member of the Business Council serving on the faculty relations committee, Alumni Association on A-Day committee and in-charge of sponsors, and employment experience overseeing 80+ workers and keeping good relations with government officials and the media.

He hopes to start a Student Involvement Center; open up student government more to the general studentbody; promote lower tuition costs; and promote an increase in parking access for students.

“If elected,” Hills said, “I want to further the idea of a student involvement center in the TSC. This would be a place where any student could come to find out about different branches of the ASUSU government, and how they can get involved. I would also serve the function of advertising the various clubs in each college.”

Salt Lake City resident, Taylor Leavitt, is a Junior majoring in Finance and Economics. His experience includes President of the ASUSU Senate, USU Business Senator, ASUSU Executive Council, Chair of Business Council, ASUSU Award for Outstanding Achievement and Contribution at Utah State, PLC member, 3.8 GPA, National Dean’s List, LDSSA Missionary Lab Chair, USU Homecoming Royalty, Hispanic Student Union, Legislation VP for the College of Business, STAB Special Events Chair, and Co-head Chair Halloween Howl.

Leavitt’s goals are to form a tie to increase scholarship money as tuition increases; further advocate the implementation of a tuition payment plan for students; lobby the legislature for a better formula funding system for Utah State students; advocate the implementation of advisor evaluations; and be a unique advocate for the students to the Legislature, Board of Regents and Trustees.

“It would be such a privilege for me to serve the students in this office. I am committed to using my experience to be a unique advocate for the students in dealing with the Legislature, Board of Regents and Trustees,” Leavitt said.

Finance and Economics major, J. Paul Neeley, is from Idaho Falls, Idaho. His qualifications include USU College of Business Ambassador, USU Academic Council, creator of USUOnline.com, LDSSA President Northwestern University, Northwestern University Interfaith Council, Mr. USU Contestant, Homecoming Financial support Committee, and Homecoming Public Relations Committee.

If elected, Neeley said he would improve communication between ASUSU and students; revamp the ASUSU web page, to create a single online stop for important student information; extend the reach of ASUSU and its ability to provide for students through increased funding; expand USU student card services; and explore possibilities of Student radio and further improvement of university recreational facilities.

“It is time for ASUSU to extend its reach and ability to provide for students. We need a strong leader that will think outside the box, quicken the pace, innovate, and make sure that we as students get the most out our educational experience. I want to make a difference.”

Executive VP

Jason Kimber is a Liberal Arts and Sciences major from Grouse Creek, Utah. He is currently a member of PLC and serves as ambassador to the University President, the current President of the LDSSA and served as a member of the LDSSA for two years, and served in the Val R. Christensen Service Center as an age coordinator for Project Pals.

Kimber’s goals are to help bring ASUSU to the students even more; create a working relationship with the administration and the students; meet with the Legislators before the legislative session to see that USU’s needs are being met; strive to see that as tuition increases, so does financial aid; and work closely with the Logan City Council to see that the USU studentbody is well represented.

“I want to bring ASUSU to the students, as well as create a working relationship with the administration,” Kimber said. “It is also es
sential that USU is represented on both a state and local level. I will do this. USU students come first – Go Aggies!”

Moab native, Aaron Holyoak, is a senior Business Information Systems major. He aided in establishing the Community Pride Action Team in Moab the purpose of which was to empower people to recapture a sense of place and community spirit through education, arts, and participation. He has received numerous awards in displaying his dedication to community, earned his Eagle Scout award when he was 13 years old, a Sterling Scholar Runner-up in Southeastern Utah in Business and Marketing Education, in 1999 – 2000 he received recognition at the Partners in Business Information Technology Seminar, and President of the Association for Computing Machinery student chapter.

Holyoak’s plans are to represent the students and University on a local and state level; watchfully guard the affairs of the University in the respective duties and responsibilities of Exec. VP; ensure the provision of effective Student Legal Services for the studentbody; protect our university through the Public Affairs Board in representing student viewpoints on the university, city and county levels; and serve the student by organizing, performing, and coordinating all other duties and programs involved as Executive VP.

Holyoak said, “As keepers of the herds for kings in the Middle Ages my ancestors were dwellers in sacred oak groves. “Holyoaks” are trusted, reliable, dependable, strong, protective, consistent and supportive. Trust Aaron Holyoak to do the same.”

Biology-Premed major, Heather Anderson, is a junior from Sandy. Her campus activities include Special Olympics volunteer director, academic council, science council, public relations chair, LDSSA-International committee, AASC Treasurer, BSU, SIFF, STAR, Homecoming committee, STAB, Dean’s Honor Roll, student housing’s student of the month, CAPSA volunteer, Big Blue Crew, lobbied to State legislature to raise funds for USU, worked with the Lt. Governor’s office and other agencies in the program to help combat domestic abuse.

Anderson’s goals are to work with the Public Affairs Board to represent the Multicultural and International students as well as the studentbody as a whole on the school, local and state level; lobby the State legislature on behalf of student interests; continue building a strong relationship, between students and exec. council by keeping student informed; become a true Aggie; and I will work to help elect a student to Logan City Council.

“I will represent all students attending USU by lobbying for their interests, keeping them informed, working closely with the multicultural and International services, and working to elect a student on the Logan City Council so we will have a voice,” Anderson said.

Celestial Starr Bybee, is a sophomore Communication, Public Relations, and Broadcasting major from North Logan. She has been a member of the Public Affairs Board working under the Executive VP, delegate for Utah State as a representative in Utah Intercollegiate Assembly, Utah State University Ambassador, member of PLC, and founder and parliamentarian of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural sorority.

If elected Bybee said she would involve students in legislation that affects them by informing students of present legislation in monthly newsletters; promote student involvement and awareness in government issues by implementing civic awareness week, involving student government parties on campus, and meet with all government parties on a monthly basis; survey students about civic matters and use the results to fight for issues that students are concerned about in City Council and state congress; meet with Legislators before Legislation session 2002, using surveys that have been taken to let them know what the USU studentbody needs; and help encourage students to realize their importance in civic matters, help them voice their opinion and be heard.

“I would like to help USU students realize their civic roles and include students in taking action towards resolving their concerns,” Bybee said.

Academic VP

Andy Haws is a junior Finance major from Logan. His experience on campus is a two time member of Academic council, Director of University Ambassadors, member of President Leadership Council, a previous member of Ombudsman committee, and an intern with Congressman James V. Hansen, U S House of Representatives.

His goals are to implement a program that would allow students to pay tuition in three installments; increase the quality of advising by seeing that all colleges have quality peer advising; enhance student awareness about the Career Services and improve resources offered to students through the center; and promote and improve online book exchange.

“I want to see that all issues affecting the academic experience of students are met with solutions that better the quality of education of those who pay tuition,” Haws said.

Student Advocate VP

Psychology/Secondary Education major, Roy E. Hogan, is from North Logan. His experience includes a current member of USU Ombudsman Committee, a small business owner with experience in customer satisfaction, treatment foster parent for four years that provided valuable experience in conflict resolution and the ability to assist different personalities in reaching a common goal in cooperation, and real life experience as a parent and husband with “grown up” responsibilities.

If elected Hogan said he will make obtaining access in voicing concerns on campus easier for students with such mediums as web communication; improve the efficiency of having student concerns resolved in a timely manner; use “real life” experience to help resolve students concerns on a university level; increase student awareness that they do have a voice on campus and that they will be heard; and build upon the existing foundation that has been laid in the office of Student Advocate VP.

“I will use my life experience in dealing with others by increasing student awareness,” Hogan said. “Helping them realize that they do have a voice and that that voice can and will be heard, therefore making a difference. I say what I will do and I do what I will say.”

Spencer W. Crockett from Ketchikan, Alaska is a junior Business Management and Finance major. He has experience in high school in voicing student needs for activities, dances, and getting fun raisers set up to help out sports teams and clubs travel. In college he is in the Business program in involved in SIFE, with the position of listening to student suggestions and complaints and report to the presidency. His summer employment in Alaska is as a liaison with cruise ships that come to the island daily, correlating the ships while in in port and working directly with passengers comments and cruise directors committee.

If elected Crockett said he hopes to strengthen the voices with their concerns; help make USU a campus that will not only listen to it’s students, but will respond accordingly with a solution; eliminate unnecessary student fees; keep the connection of other offices open always for suggestions to the Student Advocate VP; and to have fun while holding the Student Advocate VP office productively.

“Utah State University will be a university governed by it’s students. I will make sure all questions, suggestions, and problems are answered to the benefit of the students,” Crockett said.

John Lee Roring from Tremonton is a sophomore with an undeclared major. His experience includes a two year mission in Brazil, member of STAR, member of the Big Blue Crew, New Horizons show choir, ASUSU service program formerly known as VOICE, and member of Tremonton Youth City Council.

Roring’s plans for office are to act as a residence hall representative, having meetings to get input; hold meetings with any group around campus who would like to schedule one; certify proper communication between students, faculty, and ASUSU about upcoming changes such as parking policies, and tuition changes; addres
s student safety concerns; and help students know more about what ASUSU does, how it works, officers available, and what the officers can do to help students.

“I will try my hardest to help any student from any background to find feasible solution to their problems, complaints, and concerns on USU campus,” Roring said.

Vernal resident Chase Hamblin is a junior majoring in Welding Engineering. His experience includes youth scout leadership positions, currently serving as a volunteer scout leader, earned an Eagle Scout award, and led and guided river and horse trips.

His goals are to advertise and make students aware of student advocate office; develop better student/school relationships; represent all students; listen to student suggestions and work to fulfill them; and be more than just a student advocate, the student friend.

“In my youth I learned the value of hard work and perform every job to the best of my abilities,” Hamblin said. “More that just student advocate, I want to be the student friend.”

Steve Kindred, a Business major is a junior from Preston, Idaho. He has served one year as Ombudsman committee chair and another year as a member of the committee, LDSSA missionary VP, PLC member, A-Day entertainment chair, co-founder of STICKS, a program in the service center, and Senior send-off donations chair.

Kindred said he plans to bring back the “Bullshoot” a popular Statesman article written by the student advocate outlining the concerns of students; work with administration to improve advising on campus; make campus safer at night by providing more adequate lighting; work with RHSA administration in coming up with an easier, cheaper, alternative for students that need to stay in their on campus housing during Christmas break; and make Ombudsman more visible for all student to voice their concerns and provide quick, effective resolutions.

“I love the respect that campus administrators have for the student advocate, and I will use that respect to change the things that matter to USU students,” Kindred said.

Activities VP

Mike Waggoner is a junior, Pre-med Biology major from Kaysville. His experience includes National Association of Campus Activities Leadership Award, Inter-fraternal council special events/activities VP, student activities board special events chairman, Howl committee co-ordinator, concert chairman responsible for Tim Reynolds concert, 80’s night chairman, Week of Welcome committee member, Mardi Gras committee member, and service center volunteer, STAR.

Waggoner said he plans to have two big concerts a semester, fall and spring; increased student input for activities through web sites, etc.; comedy night once a month with a national comedian; activities after athletic events; and live at 5:00, bi-monthly local bands and free food.

“As Activities Vice President I will work to improve and diversify traditional events, while bringing in new activities,” Waggoner said. “I will accomplish this through increased student input and interaction.”

Kenai, Alaska, resident, Andy Dilley, is a junior LAS major. He has served as a member of the Public Affairs Board, STAB, Organization and Traditions, co-chaired and co-hosted “Let’s Make a Deal”, the spirit day chair for 2000 Homecoming week, the entertainment co-chair and sponsor’s chair for the 2001 Robbins awards, and a fall leadership facilitator in Fall 2000.

If elected Dilley said he would offer monthly student activities, offer students free monthly STAB movies, offer married student activities, increase overall student awareness of student activities, and give students opportunities to attend on-campus concerts.

Dilley said, “I hope to provide students with opportunities to attend activities that cater to the diversity on our campus. In order to do this I plan to offer free movies that all students can enjoy and movies that not all will enjoy. I will continue to build on the traditions all students expect every year i.e. The Howl, Mardi Gras, Let’s Make a Deal.”