The signs are up, and the campaigns have started. It is a head-to-head race for the title of student body president.

Jeremiah Parlock and Stephanie Rogner are campaigning against each other this month for the title.

“It’s not just a title. It’s a chance to represent over 13,000 students with diverse backgrounds and needs,” Rogner, a junior marketing major, said.

Representing the student body takes a lot of preparation, said Parlock, a junior political science major. 

“Really engage with people and groups before campaigning even starts,” Parlock said.

Preparing for potential presidency also means preparing for rejection. For the candidates, that means focusing on the motivation behind running for office.

 “Prepare for rejection but know that you have to persevere if you’re truly committed,” Parlock said.

The idea of losing a campaign that can cost upward of $1,000 and take months to execute is one that students said is stressful, but coming to terms with the fact that losing is a possibility is part of the process.

“I don’t see losing as unsuccessful, but rather an opportunity to go about projects in a different way,” Rogner said.

The campaign process is hard regardless of the preparation, Rogner said. Candidates said stepping up to be the voice of the student body takes more than a campaign strategy.

“It takes compassion for the needs of students, a love for the university, and the willingness to provide extensive research and time to accomplish promised results,” Rogner said.

These are traits that Rogner said a president needs, but Parlock said a person should possess and act on these ideals regardless of that person’s role on campus.

“You are constantly contributing to students and organizations throughout your entire college experience, which is what every public servant should probably be doing anyway,” Parlock said.

Both candidates said they are excited about their platforms and proud of their chosen staff members who make campaigning easier and more enjoyable.

“It takes finding a reliable and effective team because no good president is ever alone,” Parlock said.

Rogner’s team has focused her platform on examining tuition reform, advocating for an expansion of the counseling center and its services and enhancing student engagement with alumni and the community.

Parlock’s team has focused his platform on improving student involvement in the community and instating student ID discounts at more local businesses.

The candidates said they plan to support the opposing team regardless of who wins.

For further Information on the Rogner campaign, students can email Stephanie Rogner at [email protected] or follow her campaign on social media @rognerwilliams2019.

For further information on the Parlock campaign, students can follow @parlockirk on Twitter or @parlockirk_mu on Instagram.

Makaylah Wheeler can be contacted at [email protected].