Spring 2026 Campaign Period begins April 12, 2026.
Elections will be held on UISConnection on April 20th and April 21st.
Spring 2026 Elections Candidate Details
Listing of candidates is based on the order at which the candidates submitted their applications on UISConnection.
Isaiah Joseph Gauwitz
Candidate for: Parliamentarian
I am running for Parliamentarian in order to ensure the proper management and oversight of our constitution and bylaws. As a member of the Rules and Bylaws Committee, I believe I am well qualified to take over the running of the Committee. I am prepared to manage possible amendments and ensure that the SGA Constitution is serving the students it represents.
Minnah Saleh
Candidate for: Student Representative to the Board of Trustees
My name is Minnah Saleh, I am a sophomore majoring in Biology and Psychology on the pre-med track, and I am running to serve as the Student Representative to the Board of Trustees. In my involvement with multiple organizations on campus, I’ve learned how to effectively collaborate within a group, advocate for my peers, and create spaces where students from every background feel welcomed. My unique background as a Black Muslim woman allows me to bring a nuanced perspective shaped by resilience, community, and an understanding of what it means to navigate institutions where not everyone sees themselves adequately reflected. I am committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel heard and supported at UIS. I would be honored to serve as Student Representative to the Board of Trustees and work towards a more inclusive and student-centered campus.
Anna Lance
Candidate for: Undergraduate Student Senator
I am currently the Transfer Student Senator and am now running for the Undergraduate Student Senator Position. I am a Sociology student and live on campus. I aim to make UIS more accepting and accommodating to all its students, and will do my best to serve the interests of all undergrad students here at UIS.
Janvi Sehdev
Candidate for: Undergraduate Student Senator
As an undergraduate student, I am committed to representing the voices, concerns, and ideas of my peers. I believe every student deserves to feel heard, supported, and included on campus. If elected as an Undergraduate Student Senator, I will actively listen to student feedback and work to improve academic resources, campus life, and communication between students and administration. As a Computer Science major, I bring a problem-solving mindset and a willingness to learn and collaborate. I aim to promote initiatives that support student success, including better access to opportunities, events, and resources. I am responsible, approachable, and dedicated to making a positive impact. I would be honored to represent the undergraduate student body and contribute to building a stronger, more connected campus community.
John Kennedy
Candidate for: President
Having a name such as mine, John Kennedy, has pushed me my whole life to become a leader. I have served throughout my life as a leader in many capacities, from a general member to the President. I have had time to grow and learn what it takes to be a good leader. A leader must be fair and work with all parties to ensure the organization's progress and the well-being of the people involved. As SGA President, I will strive to uphold and value every student's voice from the many backgrounds represented on our wonderful campus. My vision as SGA President is to foster a student government that truly serves all students. Every single UIS student should feel valued, and as President, I can assure that will happen.
Tarun Dandola
Candidate for: Graduate Student Senator
I am a dedicated graduate student committed to representing student voices and fostering an inclusive campus environment. I aim to advocate for student needs, enhance academic and campus resources, and promote meaningful engagement across the university community. With strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills, I am prepared to listen, collaborate, and take initiative to address student concerns effectively. I believe in transparency, accountability, and creating opportunities that support both academic success and personal growth. My goal is to ensure every student feels heard, valued, and empowered. Through this role, I will work to strengthen connections between students and administration while contributing to a positive and supportive campus experience for all.
Ava Allison
Candidate for: Treasurer
My name is Ava Allison. I am a psychology major with a concentration in development and a minor in child advocacy, and I am also part of the cross-country and track and field team. I am currently involved in SOFA, Child Campus Advocates, and the American Red Cross. I've been a member of SOFA for about a year now, and I have gained valuable insight into how campus events are planned and funded. I have strong communication and organizational skills that I can bring to this role. I am seeking this position because getting involved on campus has helped me feel connected, and I want to create that for others. My priorities are to ensure all students feel included and engaged.
Kyle Haas
Candidate for: President
My name is Kyle Haas, and I am running for UIS Student Body President. I have been involved in several youth development programs like 4-H and FFA, I am also an involved member of the UIS community, being an involved member of the CAP Program as well. I am running on a platform of a unified student body, and giving UIS some more representation in the University of Illinois System. I will work to ensure that every student’s voices are heard, and I will be a president that is accessible for the student body. As president, I will help to make registered student organizations more accessible for students who live here, and boost their engagement on campus to enhance the student experience.
Alexander Cowan
Candidate for: Online Student Senator
My name is Alex, and I am running for Online Student Senator at the University of Illinois Springfield. As an online graduate student studying public policy and a higher education professional, I understand how university systems, communication, and access shape the student experience. Too often, online students face barriers that leave them feeling disconnected or overlooked. I am not running just to represent online students. I am running to improve how the university works for us. My priorities are clear: strengthen communication, increase transparency, and ensure online students have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and support. Online students are a vital part of this university, and our experience should reflect that. I bring a systems-focused, solutions-driven approach to ensure your voice leads to real outcomes. I would be honored to earn your vote.
Faith Amure
Candidate for: Business & Management Senator
I am applying for the role of Business & Management Senator because I want to be an active, reliable, and thoughtful advocate for students in my school. As a graduate student in Management Information Systems, I understand the value of representation, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving. I want to help ensure that student concerns, ideas, and experiences are not only heard but meaningfully represented in decisions that affect our academic and campus life. I am prepared to serve responsibly on committees, contribute practical perspectives, and work with student leaders and university stakeholders to support positive change. I bring a strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and commitment to service, and I would be honored to represent Business & Management students with integrity and purpose.
Andy Reed
Candidate for: Senator-at-Large
I am Andy Reed, and I am running for senator-at-large. I am majoring in political science and will be a sophomore next year. I am an Eagle Scout with countless leadership experience and have previously served as vice president of my high school's German Club. In my time on campus I have had the honor of becoming an involved member of our community and have recently accepted a position as the head delegate for our Model Illinois Government chapter. As your senator-at-large, I will advocate passionately for a more unified student body, bringing transparency back into the heart of this university, and advocate for as much student engagement as possible. With your vote I will help bring the campus into the future it deserves and work tirelessly to foster a community we can all be proud of.
Colten Soto
Candidate for: Health, Science & Technology Senator
Hello! My name is Colten Soto, and I am a Junior majoring in both Computer Science and Information Systems Security. I believe that the College of Health, Science and Technology plays an integral part in creating out campus as both an Academic Institution as well as a community. I am very active on campus and have prior experience in SGA as the Undergraduate Student Senator for Fall 2025-Spring 2026, as well as being on the Speech team at UIS, and a CAP-Honors Student. With my Senator position, I plan to use the skills I have acquired to be the bridge between Students and the College of Health, Science and Technology and to do my utmost to create a living dialogue between students and the College to offer the best educational experience possible. I would be grateful and honored to be able to represent and serve the students of UIS.
Stephanie Aku Nuodzolali Avi
Candidate for: Health, Science & Technology Senator
I am running for the position of Science, Health, and Technology Senator to advocate for innovation, well-being, and informed decision-making within our community. In a world increasingly shaped by rapid scientific and technological advancement, it is essential that student voices are represented in how these changes affect our education, health, and daily lives. Through my experiences in science and technology courses, I have developed strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of health and innovation. I have learned the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and staying informed in a rapidly changing world. These experiences have shaped my commitment to promoting practical learning opportunities and supporting student well-being. As senator, I will use what I’ve learned to advocate for accessible resources, encourage curiosity, and ensure that student voices guide decisions related to science, health, and technology in our community.
Corinna Thomas
Candidate for: Internal Vice President
Hello, my name is Corinna Thomas, and I’m a junior majoring in Elementary Education. I am running for Internal Vice President because I am passionate about ensuring all students feel represented, heard, and connected on campus. I currently serve as President-Elect and Secretary of the Aspiring Educators Chapter, and I’m part of the Leadership for Life program, where I’ve gained valuable experience in teamwork, service, and leadership. These roles have prepared me to stay organized, communicate effectively, and support others in reaching their goals. As Internal Vice President, I will thoughtfully manage committee assignments, provide clear reports, and organize engaging public forums each semester. I stay actively involved on campus and am always looking for ways to bring students together. My goal is to build a more organized, collaborative, and student-focused SGA. I would be honored to serve and support you.
Elections
Involvement in Student Government is a great way to develop your leadership skills, influence campus decisions, and get involved in your campus community. Student Government elections are held both in the Spring and Fall. All positions not filled by election during the Spring will be elected in the Fall. This election must be held no later than the sixth week of the fall semester. Please refer to the election policies in the SGA Constitution and Bylaws for further information on elections.
| EXECUTIVE BOARD | SENATORS |
|---|---|
| President Internal Vice President Student Representative to the Board of Trustees Secretary Treasurer Parliamentarian | Campus Resident Senator College of Business and Management Senator College of Health, Science & Technology Senator College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Senator College of Public Affairs & Education Senator Freshman Student Senator Graduate Student Senator International Student Senator Undergraduate Student Senator Online Student Senator Transfer Student Senator Peoria Campus Senator Senator-at-Large Senator-at-Large |
Appointments
One position – the External Vice President – is appointed by the SGA President following the spring election. Also, any position not filled during the election or which becomes available during the year, may be filled on an interim basis. In these cases, the SGA President appoints a student/students to fill the unfilled position until the next election.
Not interested in running for Student Government? There are many Student Government committees that are open to all students. To learn more about committees check out our committee page or contact us directly.