The following are interviews conducted with the four candidates running for executive branch positions. They have been edited and condensed for clarity.

Madalynn Mershon for Student Trustee

Q: Why are you running for student trustee?

A: I’m running for the student trustee position because I want to be able to be the voice for all students at NIU. I hope to increase transparency between students and the Board of Trustees.

Q: What do you want to do to help NIU evolve?

A: I am looking forward to next year is the Student Center renovations. I think as a student leader, it is important to promote the use of the space and help students feel a greater sense of pride in our campus.

Tristan Flemming for Student Trustee

Q: Why are you running for student trustee?

A: I’m running for the position of student trustee because I’m the best person to represent the students with the Board of Trustees. The Board is influential in regard to campus decision making. A trustee that is also a student gives the collective voice of the student body more power.

Q: What do you want to do to help NIU evolve?

A: I will talk to students directly and make them the main focus of the Board of Trustees.

Kevin Schaeffer for vice president

Q: Why are you running for vice president?

A: My role model was Nate Lupstein, the SA president, elected in 2015. By excelling as vice president, I feel I can make him proud.

Q: What do you want to do to help NIU evolve?

A: Supporting our student organizations is the way forward. By increasing their impact we can positively effect the culture of this campus. I would like to optimize the process of organizations updating their bylaws and eliminate some of the delays the office experiences.

Devohn Hall for treasurer

Q: Why are you running for treasurer?

A: I am currently running for treasurer of the Student Association because I want to help all student organizations better understand what the SA is and what financial benefits we provide for students. I would like to help organizations with fundraising ideas.

Q: What do you want to do to help NIU evolve?

A: One thing I want to do to help NIU evolve is to push the importance of collaboration among student organizations.