You see them around campus, but who are our student leaders? The Leader’s Corner gives readers a glimpse into the personalities of the men and women behind the suits and ties.

This week the Northern Star was able to talk with Robert Sorsby, senior business administration and anthropology major and Student Trustee for the Board of Trustees (BOT), from Glenwood about the leadership role he has here at NIU.

Northern Star: Why did you choose to come to NIU?

Robert Sorsby: I chose to come to NIU because of the great business programs here and the location compared to home. It allowed me to be far enough away to experience being on my own, while still allowing me to return home when needed.

NS: What other activities or organizations are you involved with?

RS: Currently, besides serving as the student trustee, I am also involved in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. serving as the chapter president, I assist the area as a director and the Business Administration Student Association, as a general member.

NS: What does a normal day look like for you?

RS: A normal day would be nice to have but Monday and Wednesday are my major class days (12:30-4:45) so meetings on those days are early in the morning. Tuesday and Thursday are mainly filled with meetings, if not I’m in the Student Association office responding to e-mails and reading reports. Friday is catch-up day, finishing up anything that still needs to be done and preparing for the next week.

NS: How do you keep track of everything going on?

RS: My BlackBerry. All my appointments, including my class schedule, are synced to it as well as e-mails. I spend most of my time on it, so I have to keep a charger with me everywhere I go. Along with that, we have a great office manager Melissa Folowell-Vargas, who reminds me of major things going on as well as our advisor Angela Dreessen.

NS: What is the most rewarding part of being a leader on this campus?

RS: The most rewarding part of being a leader on this campus is serving the people. Just knowing you have touched someone’s life in a positive manner, I believe is the greatest reward you can receive. It makes all the long hours worth it.

NS: What made you want to be Student Trustee and what do you plan to do with the position?

RS: Through my involvement in the Student Association during my time here, I have had the pleasure of serving the campus in many different roles that affected only that specific area, whereas the Student Trustee helps govern the actions of the university as a whole. With that in mind, I chose to run for Student Trustee to have a more active role in areas such as student retention, student fees, student housing, and ultimately student success. With the position, I plan to not only ensure that the students needs and issues are heard but acted upon.

NS: Who was your role model growing up? Why?

RS: My role model growing up, and still is, my father. He has and continues to infuse the values and morals to be a great person and have a beneficial impact in the lives of others.

NS: What is your goal for the future and why?

RS: My goal for the future, overall, is to be accountable for providing resources and funding to continue the creation of better communities, learning institutions, and society as a whole. I believe this is the responsibility of everyone: to enhance everything you come in contact with for the better.