The upcoming student government election at UNK will feature a contested race for student body president after last year’s ticket ran unopposed.
Paige Oltmans, current student body vice president, announced she will run for president alongside running mate John Placke. They will face Brenden Sloup and Claire Berquist in the election, which will determine student leadership for the upcoming academic year.
Oltmans and current Student Body President Sam Schroeder were elected last year without opposition. Oltmans said this year’s race presents a different dynamic compared to the previous election cycle.
“Sam and I had a fairly easy election process running unopposed, but this year it is shaping up to look a bit different,” Oltmans said in a written statement.
Over the past academic year, the Schroeder-Oltmans administration has worked on several initiatives affecting campus organizations and student resources. Among those efforts was expanding funding opportunities for registered student organizations and advocating for student government review of proposed student fee increases. The administration also implemented new standardized commencement stoles and passed a resolution aimed at protecting student-designated spaces on campus.
One of the administration’s most visible initiatives was the development of a meal swipe donation program in partnership with UNK Dining Services. The program allowed students to donate unused meal swipes, which were converted into funds for the Loper Pantry. The initiative raised $2,341 to support students experiencing food insecurity.
Oltmans said she played a significant role in advancing many of the administration’s initiatives and plans to continue focusing on student involvement and campus investment if elected president.
“As vice president, I continue to play a large role in leading many of these projects, and this is something I will continue into my campaign for president of UNK,” Oltmans said.
Sloup said he and Berquist are running on the slogan “Elevate and Unite,” with a focus on strengthening the overall student experience at UNK.
“My goal is to build a more connected campus culture where Lopers actively support one another across academics, athletics, the arts, research, Greek life and student organizations,” Sloup said.
Sloup said a central component of his platform is the creation of a diverse, campuswide task force aimed at ensuring students feel represented and heard. The group would work to foster collaboration across organizations and communities, potentially through joint programming, partnerships and philanthropic initiatives that connect different areas of campus life.
In addition, Sloup said he plans to advocate for additional student safety measures, establish a Legislation Advocacy Board to represent student interests and use the Student Regent position to strengthen connections between UNK and the Nebraska University System.
“I am committed to running a transparent, efficient and collaborative student government that ensures every Loper has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially and personally,” Sloup said.
While Oltmans and Placke emphasize continuity and expansion of existing programs, Sloup and Berquist emphasize collaboration and broader representation across campus communities.
Contested student government elections are not uncommon at UNK, though last year’s unopposed race limited direct competition. A contested election can increase student engagement through campaign outreach, public discussion and greater awareness of student government initiatives.
Student government at UNK allocates funding to registered student organizations, represents student concerns to the University administration and reviews matters related to campus policy and fees. The elected president and vice president serve as primary student representatives and work with campus leadership throughout the academic year.
Voting will take place March 4-5. Students will receive ballots directly through their UNK email accounts. The results will determine the direction of student leadership for the upcoming academic year.
Student body president and vice president candidates Claire Berquist and Brenden Sloup are running for election.
Courtesy Photo
