PRESS RELEASE: STUDENTS UNITED'S 2026-2027 OFFICERS OF THE BOARD ANNOUNCED

Press Contact:   Grant Berg  Public Relations Director gberg@studentsunited.org   (218) 491-4190    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   St. Paul, Minnesota   Students United is thrilled to announce its 60^th Officers of the Board cohort for the 2026-2027 Academic Year.   Officers of the Board comprise the State Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer. These students are selected by the outgoing Board of Directors to lead Students United through the upcoming academic year. Officers of the Board’s responsibilities include supporting and facilitating Students United board meetings, overseeing the financials of the organization, and serving as the voice of students during legislative testimony, press opportunities, and meetings with external partners.    The 2026-2027 Officers of the Board are:    State Chair: Faaliha Mohamed Prem Navaz, a rising senior at Metro State University earning a bachelor's in cybersecurity.   Faaliha is the fifth Officer from Metro State University, and the fourth Metro State student serving as State Chair.  

Faaliha’s leadership experience includes serving as the President of the Cybersecurity and Forensics Student Organization at Metro State, Director of Communication for Metro State University’s Student Association, and Vice President of the Association for Information Systems Students.    Vice President: Tushar Joshi, a rising junior at St. Cloud State University earning a bachelor's in software engineering,  

Tushar is the 18^th St. Cloud State University student to serve as an Officer of the Board and is the second consecutive St. Cloud State student to serve as Vice Chair.    Tushar’s experience includes serving as President of the Nepalese Student Association, Vice President of Student Government at St. Cloud State, and as a Student Advocate on the Technology Council for the Minnesota State System Office.    Treasurer: Deepika Gautam, a rising senior at St. Cloud State University, earning a bachelor's in computer science.   Deepika’s leadership experience includes serving as Treasurer for the Society of Women Engineers, Communication Chair for St. Cloud State’s Student Government, and Data Manager for Chartwells Higher Education at St. Cloud State University.   

Congratulations again to these three students on their election as Officers of the Board!

About Students United    Students United is the official organizing and advocacy body for students at the 7 Minnesota State Universities. Since 1967, Students United has advocated for students' needs at the Minnesota State System Office, the Minnesota State Legislature, and the United States Congress. Students United serves 50,000 students through a grassroots, community-oriented approach, from its student-governed Board of Directors to its campus organizing efforts. Learn more at: StudentsUnited.Org/About