First the Shippensburg University student government, next the president of the United States. At least, that’s what Riley Brown, the newly elected vice president of student affairs wants.
Riley Brown is a freshman economics major who left high school as his student council’s president. However, Brown wanted to take a break from leadership in college. So, he got involved in several different groups. Even when taking a step back, Brown strives to be all-in.
He spent his freshman year working with student admissions ambassadors, his hall’s Resident Hall Association and SU President Laurie Carter's student advisory council. By his spring semester, Brown was drawn back into student leadership.
“I think it is imperative that we move forward as a university, we reignite what it means to be passionate and what it means to be a student group on campus,” Brown said.
The task of revitalizing the passion and effectiveness of an organization is no stranger to Brown. As his high school’s student body president, Brown saw the student government was not reaching its full potential. He devoted his time to organizing the council’s calendar, improving programs and planning events.
Brown continued to exercise these analytical skills by pursuing economics and political science in college. He says economics brings in a “here's how we do it” view and his minor in political science brings in a “here's how it affects people” view.
Brown sees it as a balance that will help him with his new role and goals. Student leaders inspire students who join groups, Brown said. He wants to help foster that inspiration and get student leaders to take their groups beyond just the next level.
Brown sees student groups as one of the first steps students can take to becoming more successful. He said the skills and networks students build through groups will “lead them to unbelievable places.”
What may be a dream for others is a goal for Brown. He hopes to become a future president of the United States.
As vice president of student groups, Brown wants to help students get connected and said students can always contact him.
“Opportunities are endless if we are 100% committed to our cause, which I know our students are,” Brown said.
Brown faces an unusual time as he takes on his new role since the semester was moved off-campus. However, it has not stopped him from giving it his all. Brown said the SGA is moving forward despite setbacks. Brown is set on ensuring students get the opportunities they deserve and wants student groups to get help they need.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.