Candidates for Student Senate | Fall 2024

Teddy Heffernan

My name is Teddy Heffernan and I am from Denver Colorado. I am interested in basketball, music, politics, and I love ice cream. Throughout high school I participated in student government and my junior year I got to do an internship in the US Senate on Capitol Hill where I gained skills in public speaking and debating. I am experienced in running fundraisers, organizing events, and getting things done. I’m familiar with Roberts Rules and parliamentary procedure so I know how to communicate and compromise too! With these skills, I want to empower my fellow students and give them a voice that is committed to fulfilling their visions. I am determined to make KU a fun, safe environment, enabling students to thrive in and outside of the classroom. If you want the best qualified person who cares about you in Student Senate, I hope you're ready to vote for Teddy!

Maya Greene [Elected]

I am Maya Greene and I am a current freshman majoring in Political Science on the track to pre-law. I have a passion for government and policies and making sure the implementation of them fit the needs of the group they are for. I have, in the last 4 years of high school, grown to love student government as I have experience in student council, and for the last 2 years, was even my schools governing president. With that being said I am not unfamiliar with representing my peers with their best interests and concerns at heart. I would love to have the opportunity to do just that as a member of this years student senate!

Nathan Tran

Hey y’all! My name is Nathan Tran, and I am a freshman at KU and from Wichita, Kansas. I am currently a Finance major at the School of Business. I am eager to join the Student Senate to become more involved on campus and student life. I’ve always been interested in how student government operates at universities and never knew how I could get involved. When I went to my first Student Senate meeting, I was blown away by how much they cared and advocated for the school and the students. I believe everyone deserves to have their voice heard, and I look forward to listening to different perspectives and advocating for our community. I hope to keep this campus in good standing and in the best interest of everyone. Please consider voting me for Student Senate. Rock Chalk!

Amara Ndubuisi [Elected]

Hi everyone! I’m Amara, a freshman at KU from Olathe, Kansas, majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with plans for law school. I recently attended a Student Senate meeting and was inspired by the community's commitment to change. Initially, I thought I’d have to wait until I was an upperclassman to get involved, but when I saw the election post on Instagram, I jumped at the chance to participate. I’m the Black Student Union F.A.T President and would love to expand my activism. I’m eager to contribute to the well-being of our university to help create a smoother campus experience. I want to ensure everyone feels represented—whether that’s through securing funding for clubs or simply being an active listener for their concerns. My goal is to make KU a place where everyone wants to be, and I believe that working together with the Student Senate can help achieve that vision.

Maddox Joy

My name is Maddox Joy, I am a first-year freshman here at KU majoring in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Mathematics. I want to join Student Senate so that I may be able to serve as part of helping and supporting KU's campus as a whole. I am very interested in engaging as an honest representative of the university's student body and revitalizing sustainable efforts on campus from a Student Senate's perspective. I believe I have very foundational morals, strong judgement, and am of an efficacious nature--I believe I may be able to apply these traits as a serving Senator.

Gunnar Henning

My name is Gunnar Henning. I am a first-year finance student and I believe I have the proper credentials which make me suitable to be on the Student Senate. Leadership and passion are vital qualities to being in the Senate. Throughout my time in high school, as well as my short time at KU, I have pursued positions that place me in leadership roles such as being a production manager for my embroidery company, JHENN Promo Products. Beyond leadership, I have a passion to help improve my university. I value education and sociability, and I believe my rigorous pursuit of growth within both facets makes me suitable for a position in the Senate.

Daniel Amezola

I am the son of a hard-working Mexican mother, who left everything behind to pursue her life and become a doctor. My upbringing has allowed me to empathize with students who come from diverse backgrounds. I am a practicing reformed Jew, who loves my two dogs; Scotty and Rambo. I love to read philosophy and have started playing Magic the Gathering. I am a Political Science Major with the hopes of going to law school and becoming a lawyer for labor unions. I want to make KU more diverse, inclusive, and equitable for all students and protect the rights of students by keeping the centers open and accessible. I participate in two clubs, and I will ensure that all clubs receive the funding that they need. I will also fight to maintain the DEI Fund and make sure that all people feel like they have a home here at KU.

Brett Jordan

I have a passion for leadership and I want to make the University of Kansas a better place through my representation in Student Senate.

Sam Lewis

I would like to be one of your student senators because I want to make the student senate a better and more effective force in three main ways: transparency, responsibility, and diversity. First, transparency. Most people don’t know who their student senators are, and I think that that should be improved. If elected, I will commit to keeping my constituents informed via social media posts to increase transparency. Next is responsibility. Do you know that up to a third of student senators are absent at any given meeting? I am committed to showing up for meetings to advocate for the good of the student body. Finally, diversity. As a queer person and someone on the autism spectrum, I am committed to making sure that a diversity of perspectives are considered in order to best serve the varied KU Student Body. Have a nice day and Vote Lewis!

Ava Hickman

Hi! I am Ava Hickman, I'm from England and lived the last 5 years of my life in Belgium on a NATO base, where I attended a US overseas school. During that time I joined Student Council, NHS and Model UN. I am interested in representing our class and making sure everyone's voice is heard. I went to school with over 18 nationalities therefore I can communicate well with everyone. I would love to be more involved with the KU community.

Brodie Fix

My name is Brodie Fix, and I am a freshman from Manhattan Beach, California, majoring in Finance. I am a member of the University Honors Program and the Business Leadership Program. I am looking to develop my leadership skills and meet like-minded individuals with a similar passion for learning and growing in facets outside the classroom. I’d like to join the student senate to contribute to the greater purpose of improving this institution for the well-being of students, faculty, and all stakeholders involved. I believe that I have the potential to be a voice for change in the community, and I would be very grateful to be granted this opportunity.

Cole Ungar

Hey there fellow Jayhawks, my name is Cole Ungar, and I'm running to be your First-Year Senator! A little bit about me: I'm majoring in English here at KU, I'm a pre-law student that's pretty active in clubs like Mock Trial, Phi Alpha Delta, and Student Senate, and I'm in the KU Marching Band. Some of my hobbies include gaming, working out, and reading, when I'm not doing classwork or my clubs. I'm excited to have the opportunity to be your freshman rep, but I know that what student government does can be pretty hazy. Thats why one of my main focuses as a student senator will be demystifying student government, helping with community outreach. Additionally, I want to hear what you, the freshman class, actually have to say. If you see me on campus, feel free to come up and say hi!

Valory Boyd [Elected]

Hi, my name is Valory Boyd, and I’m excited to be running for a position in the school senate. With four years of experience in congressional debate, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the rules and processes that guide effective decision-making. This experience has honed my skills in communication, critical thinking, and advocacy. I have a deep passion for standing up for individuals and ensuring that every voice is heard. I believe that our school community thrives when everyone feels valued and represented. I will work to create an inclusive environment where all students can express their ideas and concerns. Together, we can tackle the issues that matter most to us and build a brighter future for our school.

Alexis Dominic [Elected]

My name is Alexis Dominic and I am a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering. I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the University of Kansas Student Senate. As a member of Student Senate, I will strive to make campus a better place for everyone. I am committed to promoting inclusivity, enhancing student resources, and creating an open dialogue between students and school administration. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard and that student concerns are addressed in a timely and transparent manner. My platform focuses on improving academic support services, promoting sustainability on campus, expanding mental health resources, and ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging at KU. Together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant campus community. I would be honored to represent you and fight for the changes we all wish to see. Rock Chalk!

Timmy Adams

I’m a dedicated student who loves to lead and get involved in the community. In high school, I was really active in student council, serving as an officer for three years and becoming student body president my senior year. That experience inspired me to represent my peers here and work to make a positive impact. I want to join the Student Senate to be the voice of the student body and connect with the University of Kansas faculty and staff. I'd also like to help build stronger connections and make sure everyone feels included in our student community!

Jillian Opie [Elected]

Hi everyone! My name is Jillian Opie, I am from Lee's Summit, Missouri. I'm currently studying political science on the accelerated pre-law track through the L.E.A.D. program. Government has always been a passion of mine, so much so I hope to make a career out of it, in working to improve systemic injustices through the U.S. Attorney General's office. Student Senate and the student body of KU deserve a representative that is dedicated to them and making positive change around campus, I can deliver on both accounts. In serving as student body and debate team president of my high school, I am no stranger to maintaining leadership roles. As a senator, I will serve the student voice with dedication and reliability. With your vote, I'll let my actions speak louder than my words and my promises to come to fruition. Choose dedication, choose change, choose Opie!

Miguel Tapia Becerra

Hello everyone! I am from Shawnee, KS, and excited to run for Student Senate. I'm a driven individual and passionate about making a positive impact on our campus. I am a strong believer in the power of collaboration, diverse voices, and can ensure I will represent my peers effectively. I'm eager to address student concerns, promote inclusivity, and enhance campus resources for our hundreds of organizations that aim to create a sense of belonging for our diverse student body. It is more important than ever to establish a sense of community and bridge the gap between administration and students. With my strong communication skills and commitment to service, I promise to advocate for initiatives that promote student well-being and engagement, cultivating a respectful, positive, and high-powered campus environment. I'm eager to have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change and continue to shape our university's future.