Photo and Video Credit: Ilouisa Salazar & Wakens Leonard
Name: Derick McIntosh
Major: Accounting & Economics
Class standing: Junior
SGU position you applied for: President
What experience do you have which makes you qualified for the position you’re running for and a better choice than your opponent(s)?
The experience I have gained for the past year as the Vice-President of Finance has equipped me with a number of tools, making me the ideal presidential candidate. My position as the VPF gave me the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of Student Government Union as I am responsible for keeping the budget for all SGU-related expenditures. In order to carry out my role efficiently, I must have an understanding of everything SGU does so that it is appropriately recorded in the budget. Furthermore, my role can also only be efficiently carried out through continued cooperation with the Vice-President of Operations and the Vice-President of Communications Management which allows me to also have a better understanding of their roles in SGU. Although just small aspects of my current duties, they have given me the well-rounded knowledge of Student Government Union which are key elements of an effective President. I believe such knowledge can ensure success, which is why I believe that I am the ideal choice for President.
Why do you want this position and what/who inspired or motivated you to run?
I want to become the next Student Government Union President because I believe that I can make a positive change in the lives of many students here in the Saint Leo Community. I was inspired to run for this position through working closely with both of the former Student Government Union Presidents Joshua Bartholomew (Jay B) as an SGU Senator (2016-2017) and Joseph Thompson III as the Vice-President of Finance (2017-2018). I have been able to gain first-hand experience in seeing what it takes to be the Student Government Union President. I truly believe I have acquired such tools over the years to get the job done.
What do you hope to accomplish and how do you plan to accomplish these goals in your position?
If voted in, I plan to carry out my Presidency to achieve three pillars. I aim to create and increase the availability of jobs both on and off campus for students, whether it be domestic students or international students. This year we have worked on creating more jobs; however, I do believe that we have the ability to broaden this impact so that greater portions of the student population can benefit from it. Furthermore, I also aim to tackle the long-existing transportation issue. I hope that by the end of this project, more students without their own form of transportation, will not see it a major burden or disadvantage to them. Lastly, my final pillar would be to revamp the cafe system that we have all grown to know. I do believe that this will be the most difficult endeavor; however, I look forward to seeing what changes I can play a role in bringing into fruition. In order to accomplish each of these goals, I plan to work closely not only with the new Student Government Union Executive Board but professional staff members such as President Lennox, Provost Dr. Senese, and other notable figures. I plan to ensure that with their help, we are able to make a better life here at the University for the students.
What would your first action in office be, if you are elected?
My first action in office would be to reach out to all clubs and organizations, requesting to visit them at their general body meetings not only to learn more about them as individual organizations but to get feedback on what they believe needs to be done at the University in order to make their living experience a better one. Clubs and organizations will essentially serve as focus groups to help me learn the ways in which I can better the Saint Leo Community. Such endeavors would, of course, accompany my three core pillars. I truly intend to be a vessel for the voice of the Saint Leo student population.
