Personal Statement

I am asking for your vote to become a Senator-at-Large because I believe that I will be able to effectively advance the positive changes that have begun on this campus.  I will be professional and attentive in this position and promise to lead my term in office with focus and devotion.  With your vote, I will wholeheartedly dedicate myself to presenting and resolving the issues that most concern you: 

• Improving campus safety
• Fighting tuition increases
• Respecting diversity
• Empowering students

Through my campus involvement in Sigma Kappa, the Leadership Development Program of Student Government, and the Honors Program, I have the confidence to act upon these issues in order to improve campus life here at the University of Kentucky.

Vote for me.  Together we will improve the UK experience.  Go Cats!

1. As a student leader, you are aware that there is an emphasis on diversity issues at UK. What are some issues related to diversity that you believe are apparent on campus, and what do you plan to do to create change?

Student leaders need to recognize the presented issues of diversity for the problems that they are.  It is imperative that all student leaders make a respectable attempt to listen to the concerns of the students and to also hold themselves accountable for their actions regarding this issue of diversity.  Students need to be encouraged to communicate with others from outside their peer groups and appreciate the diversity that exists on this campus in order to promote change and acceptance.

2. What are your plans to help create an end to sexual violence and promote safety on campus?

At the University of Kentucky, we are very fortunate to have several projects, such as the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center, Take Back the Night, and In Their Own Voices, that are concerned with this issue.  These programs help the victims of sexual violence cope with the mental and physical effects and also to raise the public’s awareness of these occurrences.  The solution to sexual violence, however, is not awareness or treatment.  It is prevention.  Student Government must take a strong and active role in helping students to understand that this solution can only be reached if other people are conscious of the issue and want to prevent it.  These seminars reach a number of people, yet Student Government can help in this active role by promoting and supporting these seminars and raising awareness.  Furthermore, Student Government can take an active role in this prevention by pressing the necessity for a campus surveillance system and also by initiating and promoting classes for self-defense.

3. In light of the recent budget issues in state government, what action should Student Government take to help maintain affordable higher education?

Student Government must continue to encourage the students of the university to vocalize their opinions on these budget issues to the state by lobbing the officials in Frankfort.  The most effective way to do this is for Student Government to persuade students to vote for their representation in the state legislature.  Students must also communicate their opinions on the matter to the Board of Trustees so as to influence the allotment of the funds granted.  All student leaders must serve as advocates for the student body so as to promote these actions with the expectation of influencing the decisions being made on this issue.

4. What action, if any, do you believe is appropriate for Student Government to take to increase voter education and participation both in on-campus elections, and general elections?

It is imperative that Student Government stress the importance of the potential influence that students can have in on-campus and general elections.  There should be a focus on student input and conveying the potential of Student Government to positively affect the campus.  In regards to the general elections, Student Government needs to play a more prominent role in encouraging voter registration and interest in the election.  Student Government can do this by hosting forums and promoting discussions that deal with the issues and candidates of the current political realm.

5. What are your plans with working side by side with landlords and the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government on off campus student housing?

Student Government can help resolve this issue by proving to the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government that the students of the University of Kentucky are a significant attribute to the city of Lexington.  Many on the council are not concerned with the problems associated with finding safe and affordable off-campus housing and do not realize how these problems affect students.  Student Government must present and promote this solution to the students and gain their support in resolving the issue.

6. Leaders often face the struggle of understanding the people they represent. UK has a very diverse student body in terms or race, class, gender identity, culture, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, and ability status. What measures will you take to educate yourself on these issues? In what ways will you commit yourself to better understand and represent this diverse student body?

One such issue is that regarding ability status.  It is exceedingly difficult for disabled students to travel across campus, and this issue needs to be addressed to ensure that they can readily access the needed healthcare services.  As a student leader, it is important to be open-minded and respectful of others and their points of view.  I will be committed to promoting discussions and open forums in order to better understand the concerns and suggestions proposed by the student body.  It is then important to consider all of the presented suggestions and to appropriately act upon them for the betterment of the university. 

7. What are your thoughts on improving sustainability on campus? Considering current green issues such as recycling, renewable energy, and biking. What plans do you have to make UK a more green-friendly university?

The students at the University of Kentucky can be involved and considerably impact the issue of sustainability on campus by encouraging President Todd to sign the President’s Climate Commitment, volunteering with local groups to make a difference, and persuading the state representatives to introduce and support legislation concerning this issue.  Specifically speaking, students can reduce energy use through waste reduction and recycling, emphasizing sustainability, and encouraging and utilizing research on clean and renewable energy sources.  By implementing and encouraging these sustainability programs, we can ensure that the necessary changes are being made to help protect our environment.

8. What is your response to the recent research proposal to log sections of UK-owned Robinson Forest? Would you be willing to voice a student opinion different from your own to higher administrative positions at UK?

Although there are various reasons in support of the logging proposal, it is my personal opinion that the forest should not be logged so as to support the university’s stance on environmental preservation.  It is also my belief, however, that student leaders are elected to represent and express the will of the students and not their own personal viewpoints.  Therefore, while I hold an opinion on the issue, I am being elected to express the opinion of the student body and will wholeheartedly do so.

9. Use this space to address any additional ideas, plans, concerns, or platform ideas you have.

It is imperative that the student leaders on campus be held accountable for their actions while in office.  The student body expects and deserves to be effectively and professionally represented in Student Government, and I intend to be a positive influence in this organization and in the University of Kentucky.