The student association spring 2025 election is this week. Where the campus gets a chance to elect who they want to represent them. The Mustang Buzz got the opportunity to talk to the student body presidential candidates, John Haler and Sheridyn Runs After.
John Haler is a first-year justice administration major and Sheridyn Runs After is a third-year justice administration major.
Both Haler and Runs After enjoy the community of the smaller campus of SMSU. They like the way that the students and staff are so welcoming.
Runs After said, “I came to SMSU because I wanted to be a part of a community. The small campus and welcoming individuals made this a place where I wanted to be and learn.”
Haler said, “SMSU is more than just a school, it is a place for people to do anything they put their mind to, and I love it for that reason.” He also mentioned his professors knew him by name which is a benefit smaller campus’ have.
Both candidates have specific qualifications and achievements to back up their campaign. Haler has been serving on the Senate the entirety of this academic year. Which he says, “afforded the chance to work with and learn from several of the executive members on Senate, including the President and Vice President.” He is also the current Vice President of the USA Club. Right now, he is helping coordinating an upcoming wheelchair accessibility related event.
Runs After’s qualifications are having served in executive positions since her freshman year at SMSU. She is the President of both the Criminal Justice Club and the Social Justice Club. She says, “both roles have provided me with experience working with a variety of different individuals, planning, and leading.” She is actively working as a legislative and policy intern with the League of Women Voters in Minnesota at the state capitol. She said, “This role has allowed me to gain an insight into policy work, but most importantly advocacy. A valuable skill that I pride in being able to bring to the table.”
If they get elected, they want to accomplish similar goals. Runs After wants to “emphasize the importance of student government being student friendly.” Her goal is to “create a space where every student can feel seen, valued, and heard, a space where their voice matters.”
Runs After plans on accomplishing her goals by altering advertising and the delivery methods of student senate, increasing their social media activity and being more open to collaborations with other universities student associations. She is always trying to connect with people on campus she says, “this is something that I will try my best to practice regardless of my status on student government. Please reach out, I would love to get to know you over coffee or something.”
Haler wants to “provide a safe and welcoming place for students to voice their opinions and concerns regarding SMSU.” He finishes the questions with a promise, “I promise that Senate will be a place for people to come to whether they need help and assistance or whether they just need to feel heard.”
Haler says, “I cannot guarantee that Senate will be able to solve everyone’s problems, but I can guarantee that we will try to the best of our abilities.” Showing his openness to listen to the student body.
Runs After’s last comments, “I’m motivated by inclusivity and diversity. I know that it is hard to see yourself in roles where there is no one that looks like you and I want to change that. If not me then who? If not you, then who? We have a chance to advocate and ensure that our voices are being heard in spaces where decisions are being made, and I believe that is my biggest motivation.”
Haler added his final comment, “I think that people should vote for me because I am someone who will value their voice no matter what!”
