Meet the candidates for NIRSA student leadership positions

NIRSA membership votes annually, via electronic elections, to fill positions on the NIRSA Board of Directors and the Member Network as well as on any proposed amendments to NIRSA’s Bylaws. In 2023, the elections for the Member Network (which consists of both professional and student representatives) are taking place in two stages. Elections for the professionals concluded on January 31, and student elections will be taking place March 1–7, 2023.

The decision to delay the recruitment timeline for student representatives allowed the current Member Network Representatives, with assistance from the NIRSA Nominations & Appointments Committee, to continue recruiting student members to serve in NIRSA Student Leader and regional student leader roles. Lasting changes to the student election timeline will continue to be discussed and will be presented to the NIRSA Board for consideration.

Member Network regional committees reviewed the student applications and present the following slate of candidates for available student leadership positions.

NIRSA Student Leader

Lexi Morrissey, University of Central Florida

Region II Student Leader

Christian Ramirez, University of Central Florida

Region IV Student Leader

Yadira Soto, Texas State University

Region V Student Leader

Heath Howard, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Region VI Student Leader

Kayla Irlbeck, Utah State University

There are no candidates standing for office in Regions I, III, or Canada. NIRSA Bylaws state that the election process for Member Network positions shall be in accordance with Association policy as determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Current Association policy states “Elections should be concluded no later than March 1 of each year, with the intention that when possible they will conclude prior to the Annual Conference. Therefore, the nomination and election process is subject to change.” The unfilled positions will be treated as a vacancy. Current Association policy states that “a vacancy for NIRSA Student Leader or Regional Student Leader will be filled with a recommendation by the Student Leadership Team to the Member Network, who will approve the appointment.”

With the help of the Member Network, NIRSA will continue to recruit candidates to fill the open student leader positions in Regions I, III, and Canada, with hopes of appointing representatives to fill the vacant seats this spring before the new leadership year begins.

An electronic voting platform will be in place for the 2023 Elections. Please make sure your member profile is updated with your current email address so you can exercise your opportunity to vote! Only those student members whose NIRSA membership is active as of 8:00am PST on February 28 will receive a ballot. Students have the opportunity to vote for the NIRSA Student Leader as well as the regional student leader from the region in which the member resides.