Our Team.
Board of Directors
Since 1967, Students United has been student led. The Board of Directors is made up of seven voting members, who serve as Student Body Presidents at their respective Minnesota State University campus.
The board also has three officers: State Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer who are elected by the outgoing Board of Directors.
The board serves on a one-year term that runs from July 1st, to the end of June the following year.
If the student body president cannot serve for any reason, they are able to appoint an individual from their university to serve in their place.
For more information on how our board functions, its committees, or this year’s meeting minutes, please click here.
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Em Hodge | She/They
State Chair | MSU Mankato
Masters in Social Work
I chose social work to learn, connect, and build community relationships with others. I found passion in macro-level advocacy work and I want to continue empowering others to participate in systematic change. Once I graduate, I hope to find ways to continually practice community engagement, advocacy, and maybe even set up my own nonprofit!
I care deeply about student access to basic needs. College is costly and oftentimes basic needs cannot be taken care of due to time, transportation, or money. Basic needs are a right and I want to work with systems to improve students' access to a variety of basic needs support.
A fun fact about Em:
I'm a plant-parent. I have about 10+ plants sitting in my home and I am looking to adopt more!
Javi Morrison-Galimore | She/Her
Vice Chair | St. Cloud State University
I am pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Cybersecurity because of my foundational skill set from running a technology business, and I want to advance my burgeoning technical skills.
I care about equitable access to education, representation of underserved communities, and ensuring that resources and support systems evolve to meet the changing needs of students, especially non-traditional, disabled, and marginalized populations.
A fun fact about Javi:
I collect currencies from different countries!
Computer Science & Cybersecurity Major
Sam Bista | She/They
Treasurer | St. Cloud State University
Information Systems Major
I chose Information Systems as my major because I want to empower women entrepreneurs both here in Minnesota and abroad.
I was inspired by women in my life who faced significant barriers to achieving their dreams. By majoring in Information systems, I’m closing the knowledge gap that keeps women out of Entrepreneurial spaces, and bars them from life changing opportunities.
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I care deeply about ensuring we live in safe communities, free from abuse and discrimination. For all of the work I do, I want everyone to have access to equal opportunity without fear of exploitation.
A fun fact about Sam:
My name means prosperity in Nepali— often aligning with wealth and success.
Jonathan Fleischer | He/Him
Bemidji State University
Environmental Communication Major
I originally came to BSU as a Wildlife Biology major, but as I started to become more interested in working with my local community I decided to switch to Environmental Communication as it offers more opportunities to engage with the community and local government.
I care a lot about ensuring that students get a voice in all decisions made on the university level, including tuition, hiring and search committees for high level positions, strategic direction, creation/removal of academic programs and more.
After I graduate, I hope to work in the Bemidji area either in local politics or in conservation/environmental science.
A fun fact about Jonathan:
I love to travel, and I've been to 37 US states, and Washington D.C.!
Kameel Asha | He/Him
Metro State University
I chose to double major in Criminal Justice and Computer Forensics because I’m fascinated by how technology and law intersect in solving crimes and protecting communities. I wanted a path that challenges me intellectually while also giving me tools to make a real difference.
I care deeply about educational equity and ensuring that students, especially underrepresented and international students, have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for building stronger, fairer communities.
I’m still exploring my career path, but I know I want to use my skills to help people and create positive change, whether that’s through investigation, advocacy, or problem-solving.
A fun fact about Kameel:
I graduated from high school when I was 15 years old
Criminal Justice & Computer Forensics Major
Andrew Colleran | He/Him
Minnesota State University – Mankato
Accounting, & Political Science Major
I’ve always had a big interest in public institutions. How much they do, and don't, change, and how different they are across different cities, states, and countries. I’m especially interested in how finances can make or break for public institutions. I love using the combination of accounting and political science to actively see how our communities are faring both financially and politically.
For this academic year, one of the things I’m focused on is improving Open Educational Resources (OER). These are free resources that students can use in substitution to textbooks. Textbooks are often a significant cost for students, and it's time we ensured students had alternatives to important class resources.
After graduation, I plan to go into government audit in the first stage of my career, where I audit schools and cities to detect any fraud or error in that institution's financial reporting. After that, I plan to work in state or federal government, and we will see where that will take me!
A fun fact about Andrew: I was a post secondary enrollment option (PSEO) student for my junior and senior year of high school taking full time classes at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Ayden Ochs | She/Her
Minnesota State University – Moorhead
Elementary Inclusive Education Major
I choose my major because I want all children to have a desire to learn.
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I care about the financial infrastructure of campuses and student fees. I'm interested in how and why are campuses spending money, and how can we ensure we're being good stewards of students money.
My passion is to not only be a voice for college students but also college athletes. I am interested in one day working with the NCAA and potentially in the policy space. Or within the parks and recreational scope of cities that take care of youth athletics.
A fun fact about Ayden: I'm a track athlete at Moorhead! Go dragons!
Computer Science Major
Anindya Das | He/Him
St. Cloud State University
I chose my major because I am really interested in technology and how it helps solve real-life problems. I looked at my skills and what I enjoy doing, and I felt this major was the best fit for me.
I care deeply about education because I believe everyone should have the chance to learn and grow. Good education can change lives and give people better opportunities. I want to support efforts that make education fair and available for all.
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My career goal is to become a skilled software developer and create useful applications that solve real problems. I am interested in learning new technologies and improving my coding skills to build a strong career in software development.
A fun fact about Anindya: I enjoy painting in my free time, and it helps me relax and be creative.
Sheridyn Runs After | She/Her
Southwest Minnesota State University
Justice Administration Major
I choose my major because I am passionate about justice in all forms across all communities. After growing up on an Native American resevation, I have seen first hand the gaps in our justice system and have heard the stories of those we have let fall through the cracks. I want to use my lived experiences to have these uncomfortable conversations and build a prosperous community for all!
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An issue that I care deeply about in the lack of diversity and representation in leadership and policy spaces. I have been in rooms where there are no other Indigenous people, where Indigenous perspectives are often left out which should never be the case. I was once told 'if you are not at the table you are on the table', Indigenous voices deserve a seat at any table where decisions are being made.
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After graduating with my bachelors, I hope to continue my schooling in either grad or law school. From there, I want to continue advocating for Indigenous and marginalized communities on a macro-policy level. I want to be the representation that I never had and encourage more youth of color to get involved within various levels of policy and advocacy.
A fun fact about Sheridyn: I was born on Thanksgiving!
Sophia Crowe | She/Her
Winona State University
English Literature and Language & Political Science Major
Reading and literature have often acted as a way for me to expand my understanding of world experiences, connect with other people, concepts, and cultures, and develop my critical thinking and writing skills. As I progressed through my college education, Political Science continued to interest me, and as such, I decided to pursue it as a degree. For these reasons, I am studying to earn my degrees in English: Literature and Language and Political Science.
There are many issues that I care deeply about and will work towards to support students, but one that I will prioritize is ensuring that all students feel welcome and safe on our campuses. Last year, Winona State's Student Senate worked diligently to ensure that safe spaces for survivors continued to be a priority on our campuses and that all students feel supported. This is a project and mission that I hold close to my heart, and I will continue to fight for all students to have safe spaces and resources.
My interest in Political Science has developed as my college education has progressed. As such, I am working towards a career as a political lobbyist where I will build relationships with representatives and help fight for political legislation and initiatives that I believe in.
A fun fact about Sophia: I love listening to live music and have been to ten concerts!
