Travis Salters: Presidential Candidate

Basic Information:

Junior from King of Prussia, PA; double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and African/African-American Studies, double minoring in Political Science and Sociology.

What Organizations are you involved in here at Penn State?

President of the Penn State Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Chairman of the HUB Advisory Board, Shields Resource Advisory Board, UPUA.

What is your political background?

I currently serve as Director of Governmental Affairs for UPUA. My purpose in serving in this position is to address the tuition crisis that students are facing, but more specifically forming the state-wide student association to make our presence felt in Harrisburg. This was successfully formed in December 2010 and is now a pivotal role in Penn State’s plea for fair state appropriations. Immediately following my appointment from President Ragland, I took action. I traveled to Ohio State University for the All Big Ten Schools (ABTS) Conference  to learn more about other student governments in the Big Ten. Many contacts were made at this conference that I still have today. All year I have been working on ways that students could help in advocating for fair state appropriations and also fair tuition rates.

How did you come to be involved in UPUA?

I became in involved with UPUA when Christian Ragland, current President of the UPUA, appointed me Director of Governmental Affairs. Christian realized that I was very passionate about issues that I thought needed to be addressed and he knew that a passionate, dedicated, and committed individual was necessary to address the tuition crisis. Creating the state-wide student association was my main task given by Christian.

Why have you chosen to run for president of UPUA?

I decided to run for President of the UPUA because the Penn State student body needs advocacy, not just representation. The UPUA has done well representing students on certain issues and implementing some student services. However, Penn State is at a critical point—specifically financially. Students need a leader that is going to be an advocate—a leader that is willing to stick their neck out for the students if need be. Throughout my time at Penn State, I have shown that I am willing to do this and I will continue during my time as President.

Vice Presidential Candidate: Maggie Quinn

Basic Information:

Sophomore from Doylestown, PA; majoring in Public Relations, Minoring in Business.

What Organizations are you involved in here at Penn State?

2011 Homecoming Royalty Captain, THON Street Teams Committee Member, Penn State College Republicans Executive Director, and UPUA.

What is your political background?

In high school I served on Student Council for three years and held the position of Senior Class President. I currently serve as the Vice Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee in UPUA. I follow Pennsylvania politics closely, and have established strong relationships with many senators and representatives.

How did you come to be involved in UPUA?

My involvement in UPUA started last year when I served as an intern for executive member Greg Tallman. As his intern, I was responsible for helping to reestablish Encampment, a Penn State leadership retreat. Later in the year I was elected to be an Off-Campus Representative, the position I currently hold.

Why have you chosen to run for vice president of UPUA?

I chose to run for Vice President because I want to improve student life at Penn State. Penn State needs an effective student leader that knows the pulse of the student body. I see the assembly as more than just 40 members who simply vote on legislation. We need a dynamic UPUA that communicates with their constituents. Although I am a sophomore, I believe that I have already established myself on campus as a leader students can trust, count on to make tough decisions, and always work for the students’ best interests.