Candidates for Student Senate | Fall 2026

Andrew Thomas Hipp

My name is Andrew Thomas Hipp, and I am from Ellsworth, Kansas, a small town about three hours west of Lawrence. I am running for student senate because, frankly, I think we’ve been cheated. We’ve spent thousands to be here. Some of us have taken out loans with the capacity to hang over our heads for the rest of our lives. You’d think,with that in mind, that we would get respect, right? Wrong. Our thousands of dollars spent on housing has not fixed the dryers or paid for your parking. But this arrangement isn’t like other for-profit companies. It’s not like Netflix, which constantly gets worse no matter what you do. There’s a democratic system in place to make sure that the money you’ve spent goes to the places you want it to go to. And that’s what I’m here to do. Give your money back to you.

Elle Saale

Hi there! My name is Elle Saale. I'm a first-year Psychology and Political Science double-major, a proud associate of the KUYD, and a committed member of Phi Alpha Delta. I want to join Student Senate because I want to help build a campus environment that all Jayhawks can thrive in. To me, we're already part of the way there, but there are some key changes I believe this community needs in order for it to grow to be even stronger. Most notably, Jayhawks deserve to see more options for parking, extended windows to add or drop classes with full refunds, and timely campus building maintenance. These are only a few planks in my policy platform; for more information, please contact me at laurensaale@ku.edu.

Sadhakshi Sivaraman

Hi everyone! I would love to serve as your first-year student senator. I've always been someone who finds myself involved in many different communities and groups. Being part of these different spaces has taught me that there is no single KU student experience; everyone brings different priorities, backgrounds, and perspectives to campus. Recognizing this, I know I'll be a great representative of everyone and your diverse needs/wants. I genuinely enjoy leadership, decision-making, and planning, but more importantly, I want to use those skills to listen to students and create change accordingly. I love to earn your vote and make it a worthwhile investment! See you around, thanks.

Keegan Tuell

I am a Lawrence Local, who is majoring in Political Science here at KU. I am, of course, a freshman, having recently graduated at Lawrence High, where I was involved in the choir and theatre departments (quiet your disappointment), as well as various clubs and minor activities such as Model UN. In my spare time, I enjoy playing guitar, spending time with my dogs, and playing video games. I am currently employed at the Big Biscuit, (feel free to come in on Thursdays, or on the weekend, you might see me clean a table!) and I am a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. I am running for Student Senate because, frankly, I have enjoyed the meetings I have viewed so far, and I believe the proper allocation of funding, and proper implementation of policy, is vital in fostering an accommodating and strong college environment. I hope to do so.

Edgar Ruiz Ruiz

My name is Edgar Ruiz Ruiz, I am freshman majoring in Political Science and minoring in journalism as well as on a pre-law track as part of the LEAD program at KU. Throughout my life in the public school system I have always been involved in student leadership. It is something that is crucial to the function of not only our schools but our entire country, without students doing their part to make the world a equitable and fair space for all, there is no future. I have led various student leadership groups during my time in the Shawnee Mission School District where I graduated from, as being Student Body President of a nationally recognized student council by the National Association of Student Councils, making my Student Council the best in Kansas and one of the best in the nation. I love connecting with the community whether that's by hosting events, representing the Hispanic Community or by volunteering. By being in the student senate I hope to make KU seem like a more welcoming place to those who might no see themselves walking on our campus.

Hayden Leong

My name is Hayden Leong, and in addition to living on Daisy Hill and being a part of the KU Marching Jayhawks, I've had the pleasure of meeting and befriending many students here on campus. I've had long talks with people about what their goals at KU are. Goals such as wanting to meet new people, step outside their comfort zone, and have fun. In Student Senate, I want to ensure everyone gets the opportunity to pursue these goals, creating a smooth college experience for everyone. However, as I've grown to know more people here, I've learned that many share the same complaints I've had here at KU. The two greatest banes to our society: parking and mold. If elected, I pledge to work towards passing legislation that tackles these issues directly so that Student Fees actually go towards helping the people that make KU the community it is. YOU!

Ali’Yonna Funches

My name is Ali’Yonna Funches, and I want to run for Freshman Student Senate because the class of 2030 deserves to have someone who speak up and listen to their problems and represent them well. Since I am a freshman myself I know what it’s like being new to such a great big school and adjusting to new surroundings, it isn’t easy but together we can do it. I believe I would be a strong candidate because I have lots of leadership experience from highschool from being President of Black student union, class president for 3 years and president of pep club which brings all of the school and students together. I am not afraid to navigate the needs of our students, I want all freshman to know all of our voices still matter even though we are new to this school. Another reason I would be a good candidate is because the amount of dedication I have to leadership, inclusion, and student involvement. I think everyone should have a safe space at KU and should find things that connect them with others. I am running because I want to bring attention to the freshman classes voices and I want to hear what students care about. I want to create an environment where us freshman feel safe to speak out and heard about things. I am not afraid to speak out and do the right thing under any means. If I am elected, I want to represent not only myself but my fellow classmates around me.

Lucas Fearn

I am a first-year student from Lawrence, KS. Although I have not held student body positions before, I understand the importance of having a strong advocate who represents everyone's voice, especially those who feel they are not heard. I would like the opportunity to help each student succeed and thrive by reaching out directly to the student body to understand what works and what may need improvement, and then working hard to improve services that may be insufficient.Thank you, Lucas Fearn

Callun Rogers

Hi everyone! I’m Callun, a freshman in the KU School of Business majoring in Finance and planning to minor in Political Science. I’m running to be one of your Student Senators because I believe every student deserves a genuine voice in the decisions that shape our campus. Through the Youth Civic Leadership Institute at the Dole Institute of Politics, I learned the value of bipartisanship, collaboration, and meaningful civic engagement, and I carry those lessons with me here at KU. Whether you’re already deeply involved or still figuring out where you fit, your perspective matters, and I want to make sure it’s heard. My goals are simple: to listen, to represent, and to help build a campus where students feel empowered, informed, and included in the choices that affect their KU experience. I hope to earn your vote in October. Rock Chalk!

Noah Lane Shultz

I want to join the Student Senate to provide a unique perspective as a premed and biochemistry/ecology to the struggles of students throughout the campus, as well as enhance the lives of my fellow students. As a member of the Senate, I want to hear the needs of individuals around the campus, whether it is through the issues they face on and off campus. Our campus needs to be a place where people of many different walks of life can have their opinions heard, respected, and taken into account. As a freshman, I plan to not only make my mark on our campus but also make a mark for our class as a whole with their help as my constituents and listen to their needs. Whether it is small or large, such as creating a better environment in the dorms or more up-to-date conditions in our dining halls.

Ana Julia Ejimadu

Like many others, my journey did not follow a linear path. We, as non-traditional students, have to learn how to work as a team, think critically, and, above all, how to thrive in situations that others would consider impossible long before we even set foot in the classroom. We never let our circumstances define our outcomes; we’ve failed, but we’ve always bounced back—sometimes spectacularly, and sometimes quietly. I want to bring our determination to the Student Senate, ensuring that every unique journey finds a voice, support, and space to succeed at KU.

Cash Talcott

My name is Cash Talcott, and I am a freshman here at KU. I am majoring in Finance and Economics, and I am so excited to have an opportunity to run for student senate. I would describe myself as a hardworking, caring, and committed individual who is always working for results. I am running for student senate to do just that. To get results for the student body. To listen to students wants and needs, and make the necessary changes to provide them the best college experience possible. As a student senate member, I will work hard to make this campus the best it can possibly be.

Chloe Gantz

My name is Chloe Gantz, and I am a freshman at KU studying Business Administration on the Pre-Dental track. I am originally from Wichita, Kansas, and outside of school, I like to go for drives and listen to music, stay active mentally and physically, and spend time with my friends and family. I also love to be involved and meet new people!I want to join the Student Senate because I want to be a voice for students to help make sure their opinions and concerns are fully heard. It is so important to listen to different perspectives and understand student’s wants and needs during their time at KU. I would love to make an impact on campus by being involved in decisions that can improve student experience. Student Senate would give me the opportunity to not only represent others, but also contribute to making KU a more supportive community!

Trish short

My name is Trish, and I am a hardworking young woman from Topeka, Kansas, currently majoring in Biology Pre-Med soon to be Respiratory Therapy . I love having fun, meeting new people, and trying and learning new things. As a woman of Christ, I strive to lead with faith, kindness, and integrity. I want to join Student Senate for BSU because I want to make a positive difference in the Black student community and help create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and heard. I am passionate about building connections, sharing ideas, and being a voice for students. I believe my dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to serve would allow me to contribute meaningfully to BSU and represent my fellow students well.

Wyatt Angell

I’d like to join the Student Senate as a Senator because I believe it is important to be involved politically in any way you can. Throughout my time prior to college, I have always leaned toward political activism. I started in leadership positions in my eighth-grade year serving as class president and ended my senior year as a statewide elected officer for Kansas Thespians, a high school theatre organization that engages and empowers young artists throughout the state of Kansas. After that, I tried to engage in youth political organizations, and I got to canvass for a political candidate this summer. Service to people has always been a deep passion of mine and I would love to get to represent the people of this university. I hope you will vote for me!

Tessa Howell

I believe KU is more than just a campus but rather a place to show us early on how we can be represented and use our voices. With past experiences on representation levels in small communities to speaking in front of thousands of people for the representation of students I want ALL students to feel recognized. We already live in a society where voices are silenced, I will make sure every voice at KU is represented.

Jackson Sturm

My name is Jackson Sturm, but my friends just call me Jackson. I am a political science major and have experience in leadership roles with political groups. A few things about me personally: my favorite movie is Lego Batman, my celebrity crush is Alicia Keys, and I spend my free time hooping at the rec. As your senator, I vow to listen to my constituents and never switch up on my day 1s. I also hope to represent the ideals of my fellow incoming freshman that may be neglected by upperclassman senators. I hope I can count on your vote. Peace and love.

Dilsha Chebolu

I’m Dilsha Chebolu, a freshman at KU studying Human Biology on the pre-med track. Throughout high school and now at KU, I’ve been passionate about leadership, service, and making sure students have a voice in the decisions that affect them. I’ve served in student government, founded student organizations, led community service and STEM initiatives, and worked with students from many different backgrounds.I want to join Student Senate because I want to turn student concerns into meaningful action. At KU, I hope to advocate for greater awareness of campus resources, stronger academic and student support, and more opportunities for students to become involved in their community. Most importantly, I want to listen to students, represent their perspectives, and help make KU a place where every Jayhawk feels heard and supported.

Omar Shatat

I want to join the Student Senate because I bring both leadership experience and firsthand knowledge of managing and maximizing the value of a six-figure budget. While running a retail business, I was responsible for purchasing inventory, setting prices, and deciding where the money would have the greatest impact. This taught me how to analyze costs, prioritize needs, and remain accountable for every dollar spent. I not only managed the financial side of the business, but I was also accountable for my employees. This experience taught me leadership by helping me hear out other people's ideas and desires and implement them so everyone feels heard and valued. In the Student Senate, I would apply these financial and leadership skills to represent students fairly and ensure student funds are used in ways that best benefit the KU community.

Emma Royal

I was really involved in student council growing up throughout my high school. I was the president of my school with over 4000 kids and then the vice president of over 28 schools I have seen how much one person can impact a community and I would love to do the same here at Kansas. Additionally, I would love to get a background view into how students can make an impact on this college. I am looking to form connections and help out wherever I needed. Leadership is something I’m very passionate about. Throughout my work in high school I have noticed also how much leadership and service to others has impacted me.