2026 SGA Election Candidates

Student Body President & Vice President

Lauren Wolter, Junior, Aviston, Illinois College of Agriculture: Animal Science & Industry with a secondary major in Global Food Systems Leadership Student Body President Candidate, Running Mate: Matthew Hendricks

"Representing students is incredibly important. Conveying student ideas and priorities to administration allows us to push our university forward. Serving as Student Body President would allow me to make a lasting impact, and a real difference for my fellow students. Kansas State has become a place where I have not just grown, but thrived. Having the chance to give back to the place that did so much for me is deeply humbling. I hope to inspire students, innovate campus, and create a lasting impact if given the chance to serve as Student Body President." -Lauren Wolter

Christian Peña, Junior, Sublette, Kansas College of Agriculture: Agricultural Education, Minor: Agricultural Sales Student Body President Candidate, Running Mate: Caden Bastian

"My desire to serve SGA and the student body at K-State comes from deep gratitude for the opportunities this university has given me. When I reflect on my journey here, I think of servant leadership: putting others first and working to make our campus better for those who come next. Running for Student Body President was a decision I made from a student perspective, wanting to give back to a place that’s given me so much. If given the opportunity to serve as your next Student Body President, I will focus on expanding opportunities, strengthening support, increasing involvement, and driving innovation across campus." -Christian Peña

Matthew Hendricks, Sophomore, Bird City, Kansas College of Agriculture: Agricultural Economics, Pre-Law Student Body Vice President Candidate, Running Mate: Lauren Wolter

"I want to serve in SGA because I see the powerful work that is done and can be done. I want to be able to provide students with an opportunity to have their voices heard in SGA and know that their concerns are heard and acted upon." -Caden Bastian

Student Senator

College of Agriculture

Carson Rudd, Sophomore, Flora, Indiana College of Agriculture: Agricultural Economics and Global Food Systems Leadership Student Senator Candidate

College of Architecture, Planning & Design

Anna Coke, 4th year/1st year graduate student, Lee's Summit, Missouri College of Architecture, Planning & Design: Regional & Community Planning Student Senator Candidate

"I’m running for my 4th term as a Student Senator for APDesign! Over the past 3 years, I have served as the Strategic Oversight Committee Chair and Parliamentarian in addition to advocating for the creation of Wildcat Pause Day. If elected, I want to continue focusing on student needs by addressing issues students face, particularly affordability and well-being. If you have any questions or issues you want to discuss, please reach out to me at acoke@ksu.edu. I’d love to hear from you!" -Anna Coke

Lily Engel, Sophomore, Topeka, Kansas College of Architecture, Planning & Design: Interior Design Student Senator Candidate

"I want to be part of Senate because I care about improving the student experience and making sure student voices are heard. As an interior design student, I’m thinking about how people interact with spaces, and with that I know mindset carries over into advocacy.

Design has taught me to listen first, problem-solve carefully, and collaborate with others to create solutions that work for people surrounding them.

I’m passionate about student wellbeing, inclusive spaces, while representing creative majors! The studio environment has also taught me strong time management, communication, and teamwork skills. All of these I would bring with me to Senate!

I would be honored to serve as a voice for my peers and help create those positive, meaningful changes on campus!" -Lily Engel

College of Arts & Sciences

Ameerah Alfailakaw, Junior, Kuwait City, Kuwait College of Arts & Sciences: Medical Biochemistry Student Senator Candidate

"During my time at K-State, I have led multiple organizations and served on councils that brought diverse groups together to discuss campus challenges and shared progress. Through those conversations, I began to understand how policy and representation shape student experience at a deeper level. Each leadership role has refined my commitment to service and guided me toward this opportunity. I am seeking to serve where impact is structural and lasting. It would be an honor to advocate for students and contribute thoughtfully to decisions that matter." -Ameerah Alfailakaw

Colby Parker, Freshman, Olathe, Kansas College of Arts & Sciences: Political Science & General Physics Student Senator Candidate

"Coming to K-State has been one of the best decisions in my life. I want to do my best to make sure that I leave it better than I found it, and serve the students that also call this place home. I am currently running for my third term to build on what I was working on, but also help the new senators grow. In this current term, I have additionally served as the Student Allocations Committee Chair, and this has been a wonderful experience to allocate money to Student Orgs for amazing travel opportunities." -Max Black

Levi Gaston, Junior, Chapman, Kansas College of Arts & Sciences: Medical Biochemistry and Dual Major in Philosophy Student Senator Candidate

"My 'why' for running for SGA is that I wish to continue to give a voice to the scientific committee in our student government." -Levi Gaston

Alondra Alvarez, Junior, Great Bend, Kansas College of Arts & Sciences: Political Science and Spanish Student Senator Candidate

"I first joined SGA to meet new people, but over the last few years I have also been able to learn so much about being a leader. I've met great people, but I have also advocated for students. Being in SGA has made me feel like I could actually stand up for something and make a difference. I decided to run again, so that I could keep being a voice for students. I want to keep learning how I could use my skills to be a good representative of student concerns." -Alondra Alvarez

Emily Freeman, Sophomore, Springdale, Arkansas College of Arts & Sciences: Political Science, minor in Leadership Studies Student Senator Candidate

"This year I've had the honor to serve as the College of Arts and Science Caucus leader as well as serve on multiple committees that directly impact student. I've always had a natural tendency to speak up and Senate has given me the opportunity to be an advocate. This experience has been incredibly rewarding and I'm excited to have a chance to do it again! I would love to meet with to hear your voice, concerns, opinion, or even just to talk! Feel free to reach out at emilyafreeman@ksu.edu." -Emily Freeman

 

April Teoh, Junior, Houston, Texas College of Arts & Sciences: Criminology Minoring in Political Science and Classical Studies Student Senator Candidate

"Since being sworn in after winning a singular vote in the last election, I have recognized the power of one person's voice. I have had the privilege of learning the processes and responsibilities of SGA over the past couple of weeks, and I would love to hear your voice so that I may continue to advocate for and represent you in the changes you want to see in our University." -April Teoh

 

College of Business Administration

Madelyn Jacobson, Junior, Justin, Texas College of Business: Marketing Student Senator Candidate

"Im running for SGA because I believe the College of Business works best when students have a real seat at the table. I want to be the voice of students who feel unheard and want to advocate for opportunities and experiences that help business students succeed in the classroom and their careers." -Madelyn Jacobson

Cooper Contrucci, Freshman, Overland Park, Kansas College of Business: Management Information Systems and Operations & Supply Chain Management Student Senator Candidate

Hailey Biswell, Sophomore, Overland Park, Kansas College of Education: Elementary Education with a certificate in Coaching Student Senator Candidate

Brady Clark, Freshman, Topeka, Kansas College of Engineering: Biomedical Engineering, Pre-Med/Spanish Student Senator Candidate

"I want to encompass an environment not only for Engineering students but for the whole student body that advocates for the bettering of K-STATE’s tomorrow. VOTE CLARK LEAVE A MARK!!!!" -Brady Clark

Kaylin Phillips, Junior, Topeka, Kansas College of Engineering: Environmental Engineering, Student Senator Candidate

"I want to serve on KSU SGA for another term so I can continue to advocate for students in the College of Engineering. Hearing student concerns, helping, and facilitating solutions is one of my main goals this term. I hope to serve as a Senator for the College of Engineering this next term." -Kaylin Phillips

Noah Miller, Freshman, Haven, Kansas College of Engineering: Biological Systems Engineering Minor: Agronomy Student Senator Candidate

"Service has always been at the heart of who I am. Throughout my time at K-State, I’ve been shaped by mentors, teammates, and peers who invested in me, and I feel a deep responsibility to do the same for others. I care about listening to students’ experiences, understanding their challenges, and helping turn their ideas into meaningful change. My passion for the university is matched by my desire to strengthen the community around it, making our college more supportive, connected, and forward-thinking. I want every student to feel heard, valued, and empowered to succeed, and I’m committed to helping make that vision a reality." -Noah Miller

Dax Epard, Freshman, Scottsdale, Arizona College of Engineering: Mechanical Engineering Minor: Political Science Student Senator Candidate

College of Health & Human Sciences

Maddie Tegeler, Sophomore, Shawnee, Kansas College of Health & Human Sciences: Integrative Human Sciences (Pre-Nursing) Student Senator Candidate

"I want to serve in SGA to advocate for my peers in HHS and build relationships with other colleges and their members." -Maddie Tegeler

LeAine Caruthers, Freshman, Harrisonville, Missouri College of Health & Human Sciences: Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Minor: Leadership Studies Student Senator Candidate

"Serving as an SGA Senator is a chance to transform my drive for service into community impact. I plan to be a bridge between students and administration, ensuring transparency in decision-making while advocating for student voices. To support increased student well-being and academic success, I will work on campus-wide initiatives and curriculum improvements. Change is a vital part of growth, so I am committed to building an environment in which every student is represented. I want to leave a lasting legacy of fairness and proactive leadership." -LeAine Caruthers

Tye Norris, Sophomore, Fort Worth, Texas College of Health & Human Sciences: Kinesiology Student Senator Candidate

"As your senator, my focus is on serving the student body and ensuring students feel heard, supported, and represented. I believe Student Government works best when leaders listen first and then follow through. As a kinesiology major and an active duty service member, I bring a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork to everything I do. I want to be an approachable, dependable voice for students and help make thoughtful decisions that improve the student experience at Kansas State." -Tye Norris

Madeline Bontrager, Freshman, Holton, Kansas College of Health & Human Sciences: Public Health, Pre Med Student Senator Candidate

"I am running for the Student Governing Association to be a strong, reliable voice for the College of Health and Human Sciences. Our majors center on people, wellness, and service, a perspective that I want to represent in our student government. SGA should actively serve the students it represents, and I am committed to listening, advocating for students, and creating systemic positive change for the students, by the students." -Madeline Bontrager

Chase Sipiora, Sophomore, Irvine, California College of Health & Human Sciences: Personal Financial Planning Student Senator Candidate

"I’m running for SGA as I want to help and give back to K-state as they have given so much to me. I have had many leadership positions through my job, clubs and fraternity so I feel like this is a perfect fit. I am excited and passionate to serve in SGA and can’t wait to help make a difference!" -Chase Sipiora

Henry Bailey, Sophomore, Olathe, Kansas College of Health & Human Sciences: Athletic Training & Rehabilitation Sciences Minor in Leadership Student Senator Candidate

"I am excited to try a new opportunity, and to represent what the Health and Human Sciences at K-State has to offer!" -Henry Bailey

 

Graduate School

Akiem Jones, First Year Masters, Kansas City, Kansas Graduate School: Business Administration Student Senator Candidate

"I want to make a meaningful difference on the Kansas State University campus. My goal is for every student to feel welcomed, valued, and supported. If given the opportunity to serve in Student Government, I will work tirelessly to empower students and advocate for every individual I can." -Akiem Jones

Andrew Le, First Year Concurrent, Wichita, Kansas Graduate School: Master's in Public Administration Student Senator Candidate

"Ever since I set foot on campus, I fell in love with K-State and the K-State family. We have something special here in Manhappiness that isn’t found on other campuses. My passion for public service and my community doesn’t just exist off campus, but it starts right here, with you! I’m not just a servant for myself, but a servant for all. Student voices are the backbone of our university, and it would be an honor for us to serve as your voice in our student senate." -Andrew Le

Katie Zachgo, Graduate Student, Wamego, Kansas Graduate School: Master of Business Administration Student Senator Candidate

"During my time in undergrad, I served as a College of Business Administration senator for four terms. Going into my graduate program, I knew I wanted to continue representing students, especially graduate students who are often forgotten about in broader university decisions. My involvement in SGA as a Senator, Caucus Leader, Vice Chair, and Emerging Leaders Coordinator helped me to develop a strong understanding of SGA processes and policy, deepened my familiarity with the Campus Master Plan, and strengthened my commitment to protecting student dollars. Graduate students bring a unique and valuable perspective to campus, and I am committed to ensuring our voices are consistently heard and reflected in the decisions that shape our academic and professional experience." -Katie Zachgo

 

Union Governing Board

Collegian Media Group Student Advisory Committee

Ameerah Alfailakaw, Junior, Kuwait City, Kuwait College of Arts & Sciences: Medical Biochemistry Student Publications, 1 year term

"During my time at K-State, I have led multiple organizations and served on councils that brought diverse groups together to discuss campus challenges and shared progress. Through those conversations, I began to understand how policy and representation shape student experience at a deeper level. Each leadership role has refined my commitment to service and guided me toward this opportunity. I am seeking to serve where impact is structural and lasting. It would be an honor to advocate for students and contribute thoughtfully to decisions that matter." -Ameerah Alfailakaw