Lauren Holling

Lauren Holling (she/her) is a first-year majoring in law, politics and society with a minor in philosophy. @lauren4artsandsciences

What made you decide to run for this position?

I have decided to run for the position of Arts and Sciences senator because I truly want to Unite, Uplift and Update the student body. I believe the Student Senate is such a great organization with the ability to do so much action. But that also means we have a responsibility to serve not just with our own interests in mind, but also that of the student body. 

My first point, Unite, seeks to bring together every single voice in the College of Arts and Sciences — there are so many of us after all, and as a Senator, I refuse to let anyone go unheard. 

My second point, Uplift, is crucial to students in the College of Arts and Sciences. It is no secret that just about everyone at Drake has big goals and aspirations; their work shows it. But the rates of academic burnout are increasing each year. Through events and seminars, I want to foster a space where Arts and Sciences students are able to relax and refresh — while still maintaining academics. 

Finally, my Update point focuses on actually involving the students at Drake. So many students do not really know what is going on in the Senate, nor do they care. This is unfortunate, and I want to bring high energy and enthusiasm to Student Senate by utilizing polls, surveys, and social media to make Senate more accessible and to actually meet students where they are, not force them to seek us out.

What are your goals for this position? Are there specific issues you hope to address through initiatives or projects in this position?

A goal I am very excited to pursue is a student-alum formal. I won’t get too much into the details here, but I think this will be a wonderful way to boost all three of my campaign points. 

What experience has prepared you for this position?

I have a lot of experience in leadership. Throughout middle school I started clubs, participated in student council, etc. In high school I coached debate teams, national congress teams, and tutored internationally on the side. Now, I still am a tutor, but I have expanded to not only speaking and English tutoring, but also to debate coaching and speech/English coaching. My most recent student was chosen out of his entire school to compete against other schools near him! I feel this job has prepared me because it requires listening more than anything else, as each student and parent comes from different backgrounds and experiences. I have many who do not know English well, or at all. Yet, I still put myself out to communicate with them and ensure I can deliver on what they ask of me.

How would you make sure you are aware of the needs of Arts and Sciences students?

I will make sure I am aware of the needs of the Arts and Sciences students by (as mentioned above) meeting them where they are. I will put myself out and talk to students, ask questions, and build relationships to ensure that everyone views me as someone they absolutely can talk to and bring issues to. I will use tools such as office hours, social media, and anonymous feedback to ensure students feel they can talk to me whenever needed. 

How do you plan to balance this role with your other commitments?

I plan to balance this through my calendar, as simple as that sounds. Really, Senate is my number one priority, so I will do what is needed of me to ensure I can fulfil my obligations. 

Why should the student body vote for you?

The student body should vote for me because I have a genuine enthusiasm not only for Senate and Drake, but for the projects I wish to complete while in the Senate. I have been thinking for the longest time (even before the elections!) about opportunities to promote community and engagement within the University, and have immense excitement that I now have an outlet to explore them! Furthermore, my genuine excitement means commitment, I will take my role very seriously (while still having fun, of course) to ensure every student can voice their opinions and see real change.

Morgan Howton

Morgah Howton (she/her) is a junior studying politics.

What made you decide to run for this position?

In my year on Senate, I have enjoyed being able to represent the student body and the position of arts and sciences academic senator gives me more room to represent students.

What are your goals for this position? Are there specific issues you hope to address through initiatives or projects in this position?

I really want to connect with the arts and sciences community; it is a large portion of our campus, but I feel like students do not specifically identify with it the way other schools seem to. Through campus events, I hope to bring the arts and sciences together more and provide spaces to improve student morale and community. 

What experience has prepared you for this position?

I am currently serving on Student Senate in an at large position which has allowed me to understand the functions and methods of Student Senate. I also have experience in executive positions, I am the current treasurer of DEAL and currently serve as the sustainability liaison for SFAC.

How would you make sure you are aware of the needs of Arts and Sciences students?

Personal connections and talking regularly with students in the school. Relationship building is important to me and I think getting to know as many students as possible would allow me to best represent the wishes of the student body.

How do you plan to balance this role with your other commitments?

Since I currently serve on Senate I do have time set aside in my schedule for those commitments and I will keep that space open for this role.

Why should the student body vote for you?

I truly want to build connections and represent the students that make up the arts and sciences school. I have experience in roles similar to this and that would allow me to function in this position effectively.

Christopher Chavez

Christopher Chavez (he/him) is a first-year majoring in strategic political communication with a minor in advertising. @elect.crc

What made you decide to run for this position?

I’m running because I value the community within the halls of Meredith; from sports and brand media to strategic political communications, and especially the impactful, thought-provoking work coming out of publications like DUiN and the TD (which, thank you guys). This is a school full of driven, creative students, and I want to make sure they have the support and opportunities they deserve. 

What are your goals for this position? Are there specific issues you hope to address through initiatives or projects in this position?

As a student of SJMC, there are projects I wish to see develop with the helping tools of the Student Senate to address what students need. Whether that is better internal communication within organizations and their org advisors, having career/networking events at more convenient times, connecting with the dean and/or the dean’s team, and developing communication that people see, hear about, and that works. 

That includes advocating for more partnerships with professional news and communications organizations to bring real-world opportunities directly to Drake. I also want to ensure that student organizations receive consistent and reliable funding so they can continue producing high-quality work. 

I want to create a more structured collaboration system within publications like the TD, where students who are new to writing or not yet confident can be paired with experienced writers. One of the strengths of the publications on campus is their independence, but that can also be intimidating for students who don’t know where to start or don’t already have connections within the SJMC. This system would lower that barrier while still encouraging growth, giving more students a pathway into journalism while most importantly respecting the cultures of the many publications we have within the SJMC. 

What experience has prepared you for this position?

I’ve represented over 2,000 students as a former Student Body President and worked directly with district leadership within the City of Des Moines to influence policy decisions as part of the DMPS Reimagining Education Committee (30,000+ students affected). I’ve worked in spaces where advocacy led to change, like being part of the City of Des Moines’s Youth Advisory Board, member of the Drake First-Year Senate Committee, formerly part of the Iowa Youth Congress, and formerly the Co-Organizing State Director for March For Our Lives Iowa. 

I’m also currently volunteering for a congressional campaign and was a former deputy campaign manager for an incumbent member of the Iowa State House. 

But most importantly, out of all the leadership roles I’ve been a part of, the one that I hold closest to heart was the work I did as a former editor-in-chief of my high school’s newspaper and yearbook. The work I did when I was directly involved in student publications was the most fulfilling part of my education and career journey and is the reason why I’m at the SJMC. 

Oh, and if you guys aren’t convinced by now that I would make a wonderful leader, I’m currently a proud member of the Donna & Darnell Civic Leadership Academy at Drake and the Adams Civic Leadership Institute. So if I’m not prepared in your eyes, these programs that I will continue to be a part of will make sure that I grow as a leader.

How would you make sure you are aware of the needs of SJMC students?

I will set up meetings via Starfish with EVERY SJMC professor at least once a semester to ask them what they want me to understand when it comes to any issues or things that they want to bring up. I will also try to be as non-threatening/intimidating as possible so that even if I may be a stranger, you can feel somewhat familiar enough with me to be comfortable reaching out, because it does take guts to reach out. My Instagram is always open, but if you want to be “formal,” so is my school email. 

How do you plan to balance this role with your other commitments?

Google Calendar. 

Why should the student body vote for you?

Media takes place at any time, any place, anywhere, every day. That’s why this role needs someone who understands that environment and knows how to advocate effectively within it. 

I’m not sure what my opponent is going to say in response to this question, but what I can say is that (if you’ve been reading, dear viewer) I already have a proven track record — and a resume so long it actually hurts. There is no fame nor glory; if that were the case, well, I’m in the wrong career. 

With that proven track record, I’ve showcased that I’ve already done this type of work before. But what I can add — and what I think is a reason why people should vote for me — is that I don’t think of myself as any better than someone who isn’t in a leadership role. I’m someone who; understands why the idea of Triple-T being added to Fortnite is funny and great, who can talk about why Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral race was a masterclass in modern political communications, who understands the struggle of getting your source to respond back to you and, or finishing your story by the deadline.

So when I say I value the community here at the SJMC and want to make sure they have the support and opportunities they deserve, I mean it. That’s why.

Rebekah Schurz

Rebekah Schurz (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in strategic political communication and American politics. 

What made you decide to run for this position?

I’m running because I believe that Student Senate can create meaningful impacts here at Drake and I want to be a part of the process! 

What are your goals for this position? Are there specific issues you hope to address through initiatives or projects in this position?

My main goal is to make sure SJMC students feel prepared and supported as they move from the classroom and into their careers. I want to strengthen internship and networking opportunities, while still building a sense of community within the SJMC. 

What experience has prepared you for this position?

I’ve grown up being an outspoken advocate speaking at subcommittees and school board meetings, so I’m no stranger to conveying the needs of my peers to a crowded room. Student Senate is no different! 

How would you make sure you are aware of the needs of SJMC students?

I would prioritize staying accessible and actively listening to students. I plan to send a survey out every other month asking for feedback because I know not everyone can attend office hours. I want to make sure students feel comfortable sharing their concerns, and that their input directly shapes what I advocate for in Student Senate.

How do you plan to balance this role with your other commitments?

Time management and organization are really important to me. I’ve balanced coursework and extracurriculars on top of internships before, and I plan ahead to make sure I can fully commit to each responsibility.

Why should the student body vote for you?

Students should vote for me because I’m focused on results that directly benefit them. I’m not just interested in holding the position, I want to use it to create a positive impact through strengthening connections and making sure SJMC students feel heard. I bring a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to representing my peers.

Simeon Moulton

Simeon Moulton (they/them) is a sophomore majoring in actuarial science. 

What made you decide to run for this position?

I decided to run for Zimpleman College of Business Senator because I wanted to start giving back to my school on campus. 

What are your goals for this position? Are there specific issues you hope to address through initiatives or projects in this position?

My main goals are to continue to create opportunities for the business students to grow their networking and professionalism skills, develop a fair and effective system for the new grant program for business student organizations, and effectively communicate the opinions and concerns of business students to the administration. 

What experience has prepared you for this position?

This past year, I served as the Health and Safety Senator for the 39th session of Student Senate. This experience has helped me be more versed in the workings of Senate meetings. In addition to that, my work in Drake Actuarial Student Society has taught me the organizational skills to make sure events for business students happen.

How would you make sure you are aware of the needs of Business students?

I would hold office hours in lower Aliber during times of the week when students would be able to easily pop in and express their thoughts and concerns. 

How do you plan to balance this role with your other commitments?

My time this past year on Student Senate has shown me the time commitment needed to succeed in Senate, and I am prepared for that level of commitment and beyond. 

Why should the student body vote for you?

The student body should vote for me because I am prepared and excited to support and represent them and make sure their concerns are addressed and answered.

Owen Hubbard

Owen Hubbard is a first-year majoring in business, organization and professional studies through Bright College. 

What made you decide to run for this position?

Bright College has given my classmates and me an incredible opportunity to get a high-quality, affordable education. Without Bright, I wouldn’t have been able to attend Drake, and Drake has already opened so many doors for me. Running for student senator is my way of giving back to the program that’s had such a big impact on my life.

What are your goals for this position? Are there specific issues you hope to address through initiatives or projects in this position?

My goal is to make sure every Bright student feels heard and supported. Since Bright is still a relatively new program, there are naturally things that are still improving, and I want to help address student concerns as they come up. Overall, I want to be a strong representative for the college and advocate for what our students need.

What experience has prepared you for this position?

At Drake, I currently serve as Herriott Hall President and sit on a Student Senate committee, which has given me experience representing students and working through real issues on campus. Being one of the few Bright students living on campus also gives me a unique perspective, and I think that helps me be a more effective representative for our program.

How would you make sure you are aware of the needs of Bright students?

I would stay connected through regular communication with students. Because Bright is the smallest college on campus, it’s easier to build those relationships and really stay in touch with what people are experiencing. I also plan to provide weekly updates on Instagram so students know what’s going on with Student Senate, and I’ll always include a way for them to share any concerns so their voices are heard.

How do you plan to balance this role with your other commitments?

I have already been balancing commitments on campus, including leadership roles, so I understand what it takes to manage my time and follow through. Being the Bright College Senator would be a priority for me because it directly impacts my classmates, and I’m committed to showing up and doing the job well.

Why should the student body vote for you?

Students should vote for me because I genuinely care about Bright College and the people in it. This program has given me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise, and I want to make sure every student here is heard and supported. I’m committed to being accessible and actually following through on what students need.