Personal Statement

Over my three years at UK I've developed a pride in our school that has compelled me to get involved and I feel there is no better way for me to positively influence the decisions made for our student body than as SG senator at-large.  With Tyler and Grant’s leadership I am confident we can make great strides in the areas of campus diversity, campus safety, and equal treatment of graduate students and their ability to have their voices heard.

I, along with the rest of our team am committed to leading the Student Government Senate in the right direction next year. If elected, I promise to represent you, the student, to the absolute best of my ability.

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?

There are apparent diversity issues on campus, with the most important issue being students’ lack of understanding of others.  Many times campus leaders have tried to “force” diversity without facilitating it.  As a representative of the student body, I plan to push for more programming and dialogue to facilitate education and understanding of different races, religions, and ethnicities.  I believe this will help bring our diverse student body one step closer together next year. 

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

Again, educating students about what actually causes this violence to occur is the most important step towards ending it.  The majority of sexual violence occurs between people who have already met, and may even be friends.  While lighted walkways and locked doors may stop some violence, educating students about the dangers of drinking too much, what kind of sexual advances are inappropriate, and when to go home appears to be the best course of action.  I would like to promote funding and participation within the VIP center to help tackle these issues.  (Check them out at www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/VIPCenter/!)

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

Many appropriate actions have already been taken by the current SG officials this semester that should be built on in the coming year.  Organizing student rallies and continuing dialogue with state legislatures will continue to be the best way to make sure student’s voices are heard in Frankfort.

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?

This has been one of the hottest topics within SG since I’ve been at UK.  The addition of on-line voting should prove to be a positive step towards an increase in participation; however it may not help with voter education.  Voter guides such as this one and others will undoubtedly increase voter education.  Another key will be addressing issues that students care passionately about, because students will only vote if they have reason to.  Educating students on how elections will directly affect them will also lead to participation in the general elections.

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

In my time on the SG “College Town” cabinet in 2006, I had the opportunity to see both sides of many issues affecting students and residents alike.  I believe that if we as a student body can prove to LFUCG that we can live a college lifestyle while still respecting Lexington residents, cooperation between both parties will happen.  We as students must understand how to have fun in responsible ways in order for a compromise to be reached, and I believe that goal is achievable. 

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?

What I have already done, and will continue to do is be involved with a variety of things on campus.  Between Student Government, DanceBlue, IFC and others I have had opportunities to meet and work with people of different races, religions, ethnicities, and sexual preference.  Each person I have worked with throughout college has educated and enlightened me about views I had never explored before.  I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all the diverse people I have thus far, and will continue to put myself out there for more experiences with different types of people.  I encourage everyone to come out of their bubbles for a while and try meeting someone who is different from you.  You may be shocked how much you may enjoy it!

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?

Great steps have been made here at UK by groups such as Green Thumb and others.  Awareness by not only students but by administration is the key to a cleaner, more sustainable campus.  Students must be educated on ways to more environmentally conscious, while students’ voices also need to be heard by administration to make sure they are doing everything within their power to conserve resources to make UK a more green-friendly campus.  Helping students understand what their role and voicing concerns to administrators would be my top two priorities to address improving sustainability. 

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?

The logging proposal has been heavily debated over the past few years. I would gladly voice the opinion of students over my own because that is what being an SG senator entails.  My job will be to represent the student body as a whole, and that is exactly what I plan to do.

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

I just want to thank you for taking the time to read this voter guide, because it means you are taking a proactive approach to educating yourself on the candidates and their platforms.  The biggest hurdle for SG has always been a lack of interest by the students.  If elected, I plan to use whatever means necessary to create more excitement and interest about SG and the issues it deals with all year long.  I believe a vote for myself and the entire Montell-Mills ticket will help bring a fresh breath of air into UK’s Student Government, along with an excitement that hasn’t been seen in SG for many years.  Thanks again, and me sure to VOTE on March 26th and 27th.