Fall 2026 Campaign Period begins September 18, 2026.
Elections will be held on UISConnection on September 28th and September 29th.
SGA Fall 2026 Election Results
For the elections results, please view the Elections Results Certification.
Fall 2026 Elections Candidate Details
Listing of candidates is based on the order at which the candidates submitted their applications on UISConnection.
Colton Pazdera
Candidate for: Public Affairs & Education Senator
My name is Colton Pazdera. I am a political science major and I am running for Public Affairs and Education Senator. I am a member of the Men's Tennis team and I have worked as an intern for the Illinois State Senate and multiple federal and state level political campaigns. I am running because I would really like to help the community at UIS. I would love to assist students with any issues that come up and be apart of the solution to make UIS better.
Gabriela Avalos
Candidate for: Senator-at-Large
Being able to serve as Senator-at-large will be an opportunity for me to not only be able to serve you, but also be a voice for the student body. If you vote me for senator-at-large, I will do my very best to be a representative of your morals. The well being of my peers is the most important part of being senator-at-large. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Chris AbiNader
Candidate for: Transfer Student Senator
Moving to a new place and a new school is already a challenging feat but moving to a new college from a different one can seem as challenging if not even more daunting of a task. Having moved from Oakton College where I served as SGA President (23-24) and Student Trustee on the Board of Trustees (25-26) to UIS, I understand the unique struggles of transferring from one place to another and can speak to those difficulties including and not limited to housing, academic integration, and while access to programs and services might be present, ease of access could be worked on for sure-creating a better system for the college experience. To that end, I am ready to take up responsibility once again to be the voice for and to serve as a beacon of contact for all transfer students and students in general on the UIS' Student Government Association.
Caden Ericson
Candidate for: Public Affairs & Education Senator
I am a graduate student in the Master of Public Administration program, and I am running for Student Senator because I want to be an active voice for students and contribute to a stronger campus community. I am passionate about local government and public service, and I would consider it an honor to represent the student body. My academic and professional experiences have shown me the importance of communication, accountability, and making sure people feel represented. If elected, I will focus on listening to student concerns, improving communication between students and university leadership, and supporting initiatives that make campus more welcoming and engaging. I also want to help ensure students are aware of the resources and opportunities available to them and have a clear way to raise concerns. I would be proud to bring a practical, approachable, and service focused perspective to Student Government.
William Clancy
Candidate for: Campus Resident Senator
I'm running to ensure that the voices of the campus are heard and that any and all issues that you might run into can be delegated to the proper individuals. I am the voice for you.
Jane Bradshaw
Candidate for: Freshman Senator
As Freshman Senator, I would hope to bring a unique perspective to SGA about first year student experiences. I am legally blind, which gives me insight into how outside factors influence the college transition. Beyond this, I am wise, diligent, and kind. Moreover, I have leadership experience that includes serving as high school Student Council President and participating in the Lt. Governor's Girls' Lead Program. These qualities and experiences will help me lead strongly. Freshman year is an important time for establishing roots on campus. UIS has already made me feel welcomed and I want others to feel the same.
Chidimma Edith Iroagbalachi
Candidate for: International Student Senator
As an international student, I understand that studying in a new country is about much more than academics. We are also navigating a new culture, building community, finding opportunities, and sometimes figuring out systems we have never encountered before. I am running for International Student Senator because I want international students to feel that we have a voice at UIS and someone who will genuinely listen, ask questions, and bring our concerns and ideas to the table. If elected, I want to focus on stronger communication, better awareness of resources and opportunities available to international students, career and professional development, and creating more opportunities for us to connect with the wider UIS community. I may not have every answer, but I will listen, show up, speak up, and follow through. I would be honored to represent our international student community and make our UIS experience better together.
London Wollenweber
Candidate for: Secretary
Hi, my name is London Wollenweber. I’m from Bloomington, Illinois, and am a sophomore majoring in political science. Here at UIS I’m on the speech team and am the treasurer of the UIS Democrats. I’m running for secretary because I care about the people at UIS and hope to be your secretary. I want to ensure that SGA keeps well-organized notes of meetings and will be a voice for all students. throughout the summer I volunteered for a variety of candidates running in McLean County and helped campaign by going door to door helping them get their name out their.
David Greene
Candidate for: Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Senator
Hello, My Name is David Greene. I major in Social Work with a double minor in music & psychology. This year, I'm running for the Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Senator position because students deserve strong representation that speaks up, listens, and brings passion, dedication, and a caring heart. I value creativity, diversity, and helping others in need. Through my involvement in student organizations, the UIS campus is stronger when people are supported and included. I want to bring that same energy to SGA by advocating for accessible resources, opportunities across different majors, and highlighting our clubs around the Liberal Arts & Social Sciences more to the student body. As your Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Senator, you will be seen & heard. I would be proud to earn your vote and represent this position with purpose & accountability. Thank you all & be blessed!
Luke Lockwood
Candidate for: Transfer Student Senator
My name is Luke Lockwood, and I am running to be your next transfer student senator. I am a Junior transfer student from Oswego, IL. As a transfer student, I understand how tough it can be navigating through a new school; that's why, as your transfer student senator, I vow to create more opportunities for transfer students to meet one another. Cultivating new friendships to further strengthen our community here at UIS. As your senator, I will not just speak for you, but I will speak alongside you, fighting for the change you want to see at UIS. Together we can make a difference; whether you are transferring from community college, are a graduate student, or are just looking for a fresh start, we are in this together. I hope to earn your vote so we can begin our work together! Remember to Lock in with Lockwood!
Monzerat Garcia
Candidate for: Freshman Senator
Serving as freshman senator would be an investment in not only you, but the future of UIS. As freshmen senator, I will try my best to advocate for the student body and serve as a voice for the freshmen class. I will fight for fun events to continue happening on campus in order to build our sense of community. I will devote myself to serving the student body and supporting you. Vote for me so you can be apart of what UIS can be.
Getrude Nyasha Nyabawa
Candidate for: Senator-at-Large
As an international student from Zimbabwe pursuing my Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Community Health, I have learned the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and ensuring every voice is valued. As a Graduate Assistant in the Dean of Students Office, I work closely with students and have gained insight into their concerns, challenges, and the resources available to support them. This experience has strengthened my commitment to student advocacy and service. I am running for Senator At Large because I want to represent the interests of all UIS students, regardless of background, major, or circumstance. I will listen to student concerns, advocate for accessible resources and opportunities, promote meaningful student engagement, and help strengthen communication between students, SGA, and university leadership. I bring leadership, collaboration, service, and a genuine commitment to making sure students are heard and represented. Together, we can make every voice count!
Robin Messerschmidt
Candidate for: Transfer Student Senator
My name is Robin and this is my first year at UIS. I am a transfer student from a small community college in southern Illinois. I am seeking this position to help transfer students feel seen, heard, and less alone. Being at a new school whether you are from nearby or far away is never easy and I want to help those students know they belong and are valued as members of the UIS community.
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.