Muckey, Hoffman look to make a ‘D-I’ impact
Editors note: This week’s opinion section asked both SGA presidential candidates to submit a letter to the editor explaining why they are running for SGA and what they plan to do if they are elected SGA president and vice president.
The University of South Dakota has completed one of the greatest transitions in its history by entering the world of NCAA Division-I athletics.
This re-branding has put our university on the same playing field as some of the top schools in the country, but it also presents us with an incredible opportunity as student— the chance to build a legacy that lasts for generations of Coyotes to come.
My name is Erik Muckey, and with my running mate, Clay Hoffman, it is our wish to serve the students experiencing this new era at USD.
Clay and I have spent the past week talking to students across campus, asking what kind of USD they wish to see. Based on our discussions, we have come up with three main goals, all with the intent of improving your student experience.
The first goal, developing a Division-I tradition, is a simple idea with a widespread effect. “Division I” implies that USD has reached the highest level of quality as a university. If we wish to meet that standard, our students must receive the best possible academics, game-day experience and student programs.
Our second goal, fostering campus and community interaction, is based on the need all students have for a united, supportive and inclusive community. We wish to build a USD that welcomes students of all backgrounds, world views, traditional, and non-traditional students, as well as uniting USD and Vermillion to give students the network of support and community resources to thrive.
Finally, Clay and I wish to make SGA more accessible to the students. Many students we have talked to do not know when SGA meetings are, where the SGA offices are located or even what SGA does as an organization. If we wish to be the true voice of the students to administration, faculty and the Board of Regents, we need to bring awareness of our presence to the students.
You deserve leadership that is approachable, making the effort to not just listen to your ideas, but deliver those ideas to administration.
We are humbled by the opportunity to run for SGA president and vice president, and we hope you will get out to vote on Feb. 26 and 27. Thank you for your support, and go coyotes!
