Personal Statement

As a Senator-at-Large I will work to ensure the future for both current students here at the
University of Kentucky as well as those to come.  As a sophomore, I will have the chance to
support the goals of the university to become a top twenty institution.  The senate should work
hard to represent student organizations whether involved or not, and should always be concerned
with the issues of the students.  Senators should be the voice of the students to both university
officials as well as the community, and that is what I am prepared to do.

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?

Issues concerning diversity on campus have been apparent for a long time.  With the magnitude of students the University of Kentucky has strived to have a diverse a population and has largely succeeded.  With diversity, however, has come some separation. I would like to work with minority organizations to hold more events for both charities and the community.  With some effort and funding, integrating all diverse student groups and organizations would help improve the overall atmosphere of the university.

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

Since the University of Kentucky has started the VIP Program there has been a significant decrease in sexual violence.  Due to the success of this program, I would like to personally work with this organization and make sure they have the proper funding to continue along this path.

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

Due to this drastic cut in higher education funding, the Student Government must be an active voice for its students.  We need to make frequent trips to Frankfort to express our ideas and feelings.  More locally, Student Government needs to push for more scholarships and less expensive books to allow for affordable education.

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?

As with any election, voting is very important.  Voters need to be informed and have easily accessible means of voting.  I believe we need to continue to push for online voting in the on-campus elections and continue to add elements such as this questionnaire to increase voter awareness.  As for the general elections, I believe we should hold information sessions and even open discussions among university students.  This would not only promote voter awareness but it would also increase the involvement of students both in the university and in politics.

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

I am planning on attending the forum with Mayor Newberry in the upcoming weeks and this issue will certainly be a main topic of discussion.  I hope to integrate both his ideas as well as the University of Kentucky student body to help resolve this issue for the betterment of UK students.



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?

As a senator-at-large, my job is to represent the student body.  Representing a student body as diverse as the University of Kentucky’s requires putting myselfin different situations where I can get a perspective different than my own.  To get a different perspective I would attend or participate in the many diverse student organizations here on campus and talk to them about their ideas and concerns.  If elected, I will strive to fully understand the ideas of ALL students that I represent.

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?

As we all know, sustainability is a very important and current issue.  As a college campus, we can work to improve our recycling plan by increasing the number and availability of recycling bins.  To decrease our gas consumption, we could have more readily available student busing and create bike routes to ensure the safety of bikers.   Much of pollution and energy waste is blamed on laziness, but often it is a lack of knowledge.  I would work hard to promote more posters and information concerning what we as UK students can do to improve the sustainability of this campus.

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 Robinson Forest is one of the most important research projects at the University of Kentucky.  Many of the findings from the forest are past on to the more than 90%of farmers holding private lands with their own forests.  This forest was damaged in 1923 due to mining the virgin timber.  This research facility is very valuable and this mistake should not be made again.  With that said, if my opinion was different than the majority of the student population, I would gladly argue in the student’s defense.  My job as a senator is to represent the student body, and that is what I am prepared to do.

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

No response