As of April 5, Kean’s Student Organization has a new president-elect. Francisco Reyes was named president of the board for the 2018-2019 school year with 78.46 percent of the vote after the election period that took place from April 3 to April 5.  

Reyes is a junior communications major with a concentration in film. He was inspired to run for this position after serving as the vice president of the organization for the 2017-2018 school year turned out to be an exceedingly valuable experience for him.  

“I'm surrounded by so many great, hardworking people that they have made me want to come back and be a part of something special,” Reyes said. "Everyone shares the common goal of wanting to bring some sort of change and positive impact to our university. I share that same passion.”

As the sitting vice president of the Student Organization, Reyes feels that his past experiences and the people he has had the opportunity to work with have helped prepare him for this new role. 

“I watched and studied our current president. I was able to take mental notes and see all of the responsibilities that comes with holding that important position,” Reyes said. 

He also noted that his current role has allowed him to come to know the students well, which is an advantage in getting the best feedback possible from the school. 

“I will be a familiar face to many people on campus, which I think is very important. It gives people the confidence to come up to me and feel free to voice any concerns or ideas they have,” Reyes said.

Reyes’ job requires that he work closely with other members to identify student concerns and plan events for the school. He said that one of the things that makes being part of Student Organization great is the relationships and sense of community he has built with his peers within the board.

“The great thing about serving on this board is that I can truly say they have become my family,” Reyes said. “Being a part of this team has showed me what it takes to work in such an important organization. Even though we each have individual tasks, it all comes together as one to ensure we bring the best experiences to the students on this campus.”

The Student Organization is a sector of the Office of Student Government responsible for representing the full-time undergraduate students. The group consists of different tiers of standard representatives for each class, such as student senators and secretaries, as well as an executive board that governs over the student population as a whole.  

Reyes’ newly-elected position as executive board president is the highest level of influence that can be achieved in Student Organization. He believes that the board is an essential institution for its dedication to making Kean into a community and culture, rather than just an education and means to a diploma. 

“We are a huge part in getting students involved and interacting with each other,” Reyes said. “Everything from our concerts, pep rallies, guest speakers, and cultural events are essential to not only bringing, but also keeping everyone here at Kean together.”

Reyes’ goals for next year are primarily focused on the people of Kean. He hopes to use the power and influence his position lends him to impact the lives of students in positive ways. 

“When I say I want to make a change, I seriously mean that. I took on this role because I actually care and want to do something for everyone here,” Reyes said. “I want to spread positivity and make students happy for choosing to attend Kean.”

Reyes' time after graduating looks to be just as promising as his upcoming and final year at Kean and Student Organization. While he still has his senior year to plan and his path isn’t set in stone yet, he's hoping to put his communications degree to use by becoming a sports broadcaster or possibly attend graduate school. He's also working internships and networking in order to make the best opportunities possible for himself.

“I don't have a solidified plan for after I graduate, but I feel like I am heading down the right path to getting there,” Reyes said.

In the meantime, however, he's simply looking to fulfill his responsibility to the full-time undergraduate student population to the best of his ability with his team at the Student Organization.

"Everyone is dedicated to their position and that alone makes you want to do your job as best as you can. I believe I've gained a group of lifelong friends and an overall experience that will prepare for my future," Reyes said. 

For the complete list of Student Organization elects, students can visit their Cougar Link page.