Representative Candidates (2025-2026)
Senators

Name: Megan Olsem
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Jackson, MN
Year in School: Second Year
Position interested in: Senator
I'm excited to bring change to the campus for current students and for future students also. I have a different perspective on things than most people. This perspective enables me to view problems from the standpoints of equity, inclusion, and accessibility—not only for students with disabilities, but also for anybody who feels underrepresented or ignored. I want to provide that viewpoint to the table, which is why I'm running for student senator!!

Name: Ashlyn Altman
Major: Agriculture Education
Hometown: Windom, MN
Year in School: First Year
Position interested in: Senator
I am interested in student senate because I have been involved in two organizations on campus that do not feel heard (cheerleading and ag club), and I believe in giving the little guy a voice. With my experience in these two organizations, I want to work on advocation for the smaller groups on campus that have a big impact.

Name: Asaduzzaman (Asasd)
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Jessore, Bangladesh
Year in School: Third Year
Position interested in: Senator

Name: Ruchita Patel
Major: Finance
Home Country: India
Year in School: First Year
Position interested in: Senator
I bring accountability, integrity, and accessibility to the forefront, driving progress through honest and transparent actions. My goal is to create meaningful change, prioritizing the needs of others and fostering a culture of trust and openness. Moreover, bring a real change.

Name: Tamima Rashid
Major: Computer Science
Home Country: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Year in School: Second Year
Position interested in: Senator
I think the student government is the best place where we can bring up issues going on campus, work on those together and eventually make the campus better for everyone.

Name: Sujal Rao
Major: Computer Science
Home Country: India
Year in School: First Year
Position interested in: Senator
I’m interested in joining the Senate because I believe in the power of student voices to create meaningful change on campus.

Name: Jailah Smith
Major: Marketing & Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Caledonia, MN
Year in School: Senior
Position interested in: Senator
I want to join senate because I want to be part of making decisions that impact the students. I want to be a leader that inspires other students to get involved and help make decisions around campus.

Name: Dhruv Patel
Major: Computer Science
Home Country: Ahmedabad, India
Year in School: First Year
Position interested in: Senator
I can be a voice for every student studying in SMSU because I can communicate easily with all the students, staff, and rest of the people and even I am a good listener which can help to understand the problem clearly. I am honest, ethical, respectful, and responsible because it is key to achieve various tasks and I can bring smile to people’s faces!

Name: Nawaf Afrasiyab
Major: Data Science
Home Country: Pakistan
Year in School: Second Year
Position interested in: Senator
I’m interested in the Senator position because, there are student issues that I’d also like to bring to the attention of the senate. I’ve been to some meetings and thought it looked fun. I also only have two years of school left, so I wanted to try doing it before I graduate. I like the opportunity of bringing to light the issues of current students, and working with involved parties to potentially resolve the problems as well.

Name: Queen-Kevwe Okiemute Ugbo
Major: Social Work
Hometown/Country: Windom, MN & Nigeria
Year in School: First Year
Position interested in: Senator
As a student here at SMSU, I will be honored to have the capacity to vote on issues that affect students of the University in the best interest of the entire student body. The ability to make an impact and influence positive change is a deep-rooted passion of mine, hence why I am a student in the Social Work major. I am committed to advocacy and the improvement of processes being a senator on the student government provides a great platform for that.

Name: Syed Muhammad Hassan
Major: MBA in Marketing
Hometown: Marshall
Year in School: First Year
Position interested in: Senator
I am interested in this position because to work mutually with students' association and sort out students concerns and make their voice reach to the higher authorities

Name: James Gully
Major: Philosophy and Political Science
Hometown: Marshall, MN
Year in School: Third Year
Position interested in: Senator
I believe government exists to serve the people that it represents, and what serving them means helping them. To that end, I want to participate in student government in order to help my fellow students.
Executive Positions:
President

Name: John Haler
Major: Justice Administration
Hometown: Lafayette, MN
Year in School: First Year
Position interested in: President
I decided to run for president after spending this year serving as a senator. I’ve enjoyed seeing the huge impact that senate has been able to make this year on SMSU and I would love the opportunity to continue to work with and lead an amazing group of people that are all focused on helping SMSU to become the best version of its self that it can be!

Name: Sheridyn Runs After
Major: Justice Administration
Hometown: Eagle Butte, SD
Year in School: Third Year
Position interested in: President
I am running for President because I am passionate about using my story to empower and encourage others, while ensuring that everyone's voice is not only heard but understood! SMSU is truly one of a kind, and I strive to contribute int he building of a community that is safe, supportive, and inclusive for all!
Vice President

Name: Dora Facundo
Major: Double Majoring in Justice Administration and Psychology
Hometown: Madelia, MN
Year in School: Third Year
Position interested in: Vice President
Throughout my time at SMSU, I have had the opportunity to make connections with students and faculty as a leader of several clubs. I am interested in furthering my leadership and gaining experience in Student Senate, with the goal of creating positive change that students want to see. I want to create a space where all students feel heard and are comfortable using their voices.
Treasurer

Name: Shenal Alexander Peries
Major: Data Science and Finance
Home Country: Sri Lanka
Year in School: Second Year
Position Interested in: Treasurer
I want to be Treasurer to use my finance and data skills to help manage student government funds well. I’ve handled responsibilities and worked with different groups. I’ll make sure budgeting is clear and supports student needs.

Name: Hudson Ayres
Major: Biology
Hometown: Ortonville, MN
Year in School: Third Year
Position interested in: Treasurer
I would like to be the treasurer for student senate as I believe it would be a great opportunity for me to take on a leadership role. I'm interested in being able to manage the budget and have an impact on student activities.
PR Coordinator

Name: Paige Klaphake
Major: Broadcasting and Digital Media
Hometown: Belgrade, MN
Year in School: Second Year
Position interested in: PR Coordinator
I am interested in being PR because of my experience with social media. As well as hoping to help build my resume with things that relate to my future career. I have many ideas of how to grow our platform to expand to even more people in and around our community.

Name: Krish Patil
Major: Computer Science
Home Country: Kolhapur, India
Year in School: Third Year
Position Interested in: PR Coordinator
I would like to get this position because I have interest in advertising or marketing for a various clubs and organizations around the campus. Being the PR coordinator for Student Government would be a big thing as I would find unique and interesting ways to market the events and activities around campus. I think not many people know the decisions the student government takes so I would work on it more and try to do better job.
Name: Charles Frazier Jr. (Online Student)
Major: Human Resources Management with Minor in Public Administration
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Year in School: Senior
Position interested in: PR Coordinator
Interested in this position because I have interest in government and public administration as I have a BS in Human Resources management with a minor in public administration. Also, I am currently working for the Judicial branch and have grown skills and knowledge with government policies and procedures. This position can help elevate my performance and knowledge for the career path I am in now.
Ace Coordinator

Name: JJ Ostenson
Major: History Major with a Teaching Licensure
Hometown: Edgemont, SD
Year in School: First Year
Position interested in: ACE Coordinator
I'm interested in being apart of student government and Ace Coordinator is the greatest spot for me to jump in at. I want to help make sure people of ALL groups here on campus are heard and have a seat at the table. I've been great at coordinating when I was Student Council president at my high school so I'm ready to make the jump up soon.
Last Modified: 4/11/25 10:55 AM | Website Feedback