2025 Student Senate Election: Senate Candidates 

The Senator candidates include: Asaduzzaman (Asasd), Ashlyn Altman, Dhruv Patel, Jailah Smith, James Gully, Megan Olsem, Nawaf Afrasiyab, Queen-Kevwe Okiemute Ugbo, Ruchita Patel, Sujal Rao, Syed Muhammad Hassan and Tamima Rashid 

 

Ugbo, a first-year social work major from Nigeria, came to SMSU because it could foster her academic goals. The size and diversity were also important considerations: “A diverse college that was big enough to support my dreams but small enough to not get lost in the numbers,” Ugbo said. Caring and supportive staff were also factors in her decision 

Ugbo’s goals are to vote on important issues, like club budgets, with the best interests of the students in mind. “Entrusting that students’ voices are heard,” she said.  

Ugbo’s qualifications include her background in social work, which gives her advocacy skills.  

“As a person with a deep-rooted passion and value for education, I will always use my position as a senator for voting in the best interest of the student body at SMSU to improve their educational experiences,” she says.  

Being an advocate for students’ voices is Ugbo’s key motivation for running. She says, “I am an individual who’s passionate about positive changes, processes and service improvement. In advocating for students, I believe in getting feedback from students and listening to the concerns of the student body. . . I’m an advocate that doesn’t just talk-the-talk but walks-the-walk” 

Ugbo has already started to advocate for students, she encouraged the cafeteria to change their to-go boxes to ones with separate compartments.  

She also advocated for parking ticket education towards students, she says, “in future semester[s], two emails will be sent to all students as a reminder of what parking violations are here on campus.”  

 

Olsem, a social work major in her second year from Jackson, MN, came to SMSU because it was advertised as “the most accessible school in Southwest Minnesota.” This was important to her because she is in a wheelchair. She also came for the welcoming community.  

Her motivation for running for senate, she says, is, “I understand being [over]-looked and under-represented. I also have a different perspective on how the school could improve. I want to be a senator of student government because I think it’s important to have different perspectives on things.” 

If she is elected, she wants to improve accessibility, cafeteria food, and get more exciting events on campus. “I think about current students, but I always think about future students. How can I make this campus better for us, and our kids?” Olsem said. 

 

Ruchita, a freshman finance major from India, came to SMSU because she really likes the intimate setting. She says, “[SMSU] offers safety and a home-like community, especially for students like me who have come across the globe to pursue further education.” 

The qualifications Ruchita possesses are her “fearless nature, strong opinions, and moral conviction.” She said, “I’m a very passionate and a responsible individual, especially when it comes to representing students and making a positive impact.”  

She was also a part of the Mandatory International Student Orientation (MISO) Patel hopes to make sure new international students have a sense of belonging; MISO helped her develop good leadership and communication strategies.  

Ruchita plans to accomplish reducing the gap between students and the administration. She wants to work on strengthening the connection between international and local students. She says, “I would like to help promote more inclusive environment for everyone. My ultimate goal is to be the voice of the students and make our campus a place where everyone is valued and supported throughout.”  

She wants to be able to give every student a chance to have their voice heard, some ideas she has are to set up a student forum or drop box. “I will ensure your problems are represented in senate meetings and most importantly addressed,” Ruchita said.
She says, “I can promise you that if I get elected, I will be your voice, and your problems will become mine.” She will use her position to help everyone have a voice and promote inclusivity.  

“I have seen areas where students are not heard, and their problems are not addressed and that has only given me discomfort and a sense of helplessness.” Ruchita says, “so the chance that probably I can help or change something has ignited a fire in me to compete and make a difference.” 

Ruchita left off the interview by saying, “if you cast a vote for me, you’re signing up for a person who will work hard no matter what it takes and will truly represent you.” 

 

Rao, a first-year computer science major from India, said on coming to SMSU, “I believed SMSU would be a place where I could thrive and contribute meaningfully.”
“I bring leadership, responsibility, and dedication.” Rao said, “I’ve been actively involved in campus activities and understand the challenges students face. I’m approachable, a good listener, and committed to being a strong voice for all students.” 

Rao aims to increase communication between the administration and students, and work toward a more inclusive and supportive environment. He plans to accomplish these goals by listening to student feedback and collaborating with student groups and faculity to make changes on campus like adding more vegetarian options in the cafeteria and the C-store.  
He will represent the student voices honestly and will be accessible. He says, “I’ll work to ensure transparency in decisions that affect student life and fight for what matters most to our student body.”  

“I truly care and I’m ready to work. I won’t make empty promises. I’ll take real steps to represent students and improve our campus experience.” Rao said, “Leadership to me is about service, not status. I’m not running for a title. I’m running to make a difference. Let’s build a better SMSU together.” 

The other candidates didn’t answer interview questions for press time. Information on them is found in their bios on the candidates section of SMSU’s site.  

The election runs from April 14 to 18. Vote here.