November 2, 2021
Shawnee State University Board of Trustees recently inducted a new Student Trustee to serve one fiscal year on the governing board. Cassidy Starnes, a native of Gallipolis, Ohio, was inducted onto the Board early in the autumn semester and will continue to serve in this role until June 2022.
Starnes, a senior pursuing a Marketing degree, applied for the position to be an advocate for her fellow SSU peers.
“I wanted to have the chance to be an advocate for my peers while learning more about the operations of the university,” said Starnes. “I believe that representation for all types of students is important.”
Starnes is involved in several student organizations on campus including Delight Ministries, Student Alumni Ambassadors, and a club she recently helped establish, Bears Mean Business.
“Having a student serve on the Board is important because students need a voice to advocate for them”, she said. “Gaining insight from actual students who these policies effect is essential for the university's success. I also believe that allowing students to serve on the board helps to encourage them to get involved on campus.”
Two SSU students serve as Student Trustees on the Board of Trustees at a time. In their roles, they regularly attend Board meetings while participating in committee assignments and helping Board members formulate policies for the university.
Students apply to become a Student Trustee to the Office of the President, who recommends top candidates to the Ohio Governor’s Office of Board & Commissions. The final decision is made by the Governor’s office.
“Being chosen for this position is an honor,” said Starnes. “It is a very selective process, and I am so thankful that the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and President Bauer believed in me. This opportunity will make a difference in preparing me for my professional career. I am so thankful I was chosen to represent my fellow students.”
To learn more about the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees, visit shawnee.edu/bot.