Spring 2026 Voter's Guide

The Pillar Party

Sky Halter and Charles (Charlie) Medema

Vice President of Idaho Falls

At this time, there are no official candidates for the Idaho Falls Vice President position. We encourage and welcome write-in votes.

Vice President of Twin Falls Campus

At this time, there are no official candidates for the Twin Falls Campus Vice President position. We encourage and welcome write-in votes.

Vice President of Meridian Campus

At this time, there are no official candidates for the Meridian Campus Vice President position. We encourage and welcome write-in votes.

John Torres-Drozd (Jack), The Pillar Party

The College of Arts and Letters will face significant change with the upcoming merger with the College of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences, forming the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences (CHESS). While separating and consolidating all the art programs into a dedicated College of Arts, as a passionate student of the College of Arts and Letters, I believe this is a crucial time for a leader.  If elected, my priorities are: Advocate for resources during restructuring, avoiding abrupt changes that would cause disruption. Enhancing targeted support for mental health and academic resources, including increasing relations with academic advisers. Increasing student engagement by supporting more events, funding for exhibits, and performances.  In conclusion, as the College of Arts and Letters undergoes this significant transition, I am committed to ensuring that students' voices are heard and their needs are met. With a focus on stability, support, and community, I am ready to lead with punctuality and prudence through this new chapter. 

Silas Smith, The Pillar Party

I am the current sitting College of Education Senator, now running for the College of Arts and Letters! I have absolutely loved working as a student representative, bringing about volunteer opportunities and building a community within the College of Education. With COE and CAL merging this coming year, it is equally worrying and exciting for me as it is my two favorite communities coming together. Though these communities are very different, there are so many overlaps between us! I intend to bring the change I brought to COE and bring it to CHESS, bringing volunteer opportunities and fostering the community we need. I know as students we will feel scrambled and possibly find it difficult to find community in it. I plan to bring about a club counsel within CHESS to incite collaboration between clubs within these different schools. There are so many wonderful communities within CAL that need to be shared and this would not only help advertise them, but also bring about new ones!

Andrew Vaccarella Jr. (AJ), The Pillar Party

To whom it may concern, Hello my name is Andrew Vaccarella (AJ), and I would like to run for Senator of the College of Business. I am a Junior and I am a Finance and Management major. My biggest goal that I would like to accomplish in this position is more student involvement. I have noticed for the past few months that whenever there is an event being held on campus there are fewer and fewer students attending those events. I want to make it my goal, to get as many people out to those events as possible. To resolve this I will work closely with our marketing team and make sure that people are aware and are signed up for the events. I would also encourage all students to pursue and join a club on campus. Getting involved with an organization is the best way to get your name out there and to meet new people. Another goal that I would like to accomplish is more alumni connection and involvement. We are only here at school for a few years and I want to make sure that you stay connected throughout your time at ISU and after graduation. With these goals in mind I will try to the best of my ability to accomplish them and more. Thank you for your time and consideration,  Andrew Vaccarella. 

Olivia Picanco, The Pillar Party

My name is Olivia Picanco, and I am running to be one of your College of Business Senators in ASISU. I am a junior, an accounting major, and I would love to represent my fellow College of Business students throughout the upcoming school year.

My two biggest goals as a senator would be to increase career preparedness and to create an environment where every student feels seen and heard. I hope to work with fellow students and faculty to provide additional resources for career preparation. For example, adding something like a LinkedIn workshop to polish student profiles would be a resource that I would have loved, especially starting out. I would also work to increase awareness of some amazing opportunities that already exist, such as the Career Path Internship program, Resume Roundup, services provided by the Career Center, and highlight scholarships available to students in the College of Business. I hope to act as a liaison between every student in the College of Business and the university to ensure that all ideas and opinions are heard and to implement strategies that will help each student have a successful and enjoyable time as a part of the College of Business.

I would be honored to represent you as a College of Business Senator and look forward to a great year at Idaho State: Go Bengals!

Paige Little, The Pillar Party

My name is Paige Little, and I am a Sport and Exercise Science student running for re-election as your College of Education Senator. Serving in ASISU has been an incredibly valuable experience, allowing me to connect with students and staff while working to improve overall campus involvement and enjoyment.

This year, I have served on the Student Involvement Committee, where we collaborated with multiple clubs and organizations to help organize some of the largest student-led tailgates on campus. Through this role, I’ve seen firsthand how strong student engagement can positively impact our college community.

With upcoming changes within the College of Education, I am committed to helping ensure a smooth transition while continuing to advocate for all majors within all colleges. My goal is to make sure every student feels supported, informed, and represented.

Jovany Leva, The Pillar Party

I am a first-generation student double majoring in Secondary Education and History with an endorsement in Government. During my life I have learned and seen how community can influence experiences in one’s life. Community can build a positive, welcoming, and beautiful connection with others. As our future senator of the School of Education (in the college of CHESS) my desire is to build an environment for students to have a wonderful experience with academics and student campus life. This will be done by providing a space for students to share their thoughts, ideas, concerns, and experiences to their Senator to influence the student environment, thus building a community of connection. Our school/college doesn’t just have to be a place for learning, but it can be a place of belonging, pride, collaboration, and support.

We encourage and welcome write-in votes at this time, as there are no official candidates.

Hannah Burrell, The Pillar Party

Hi Bengals!

My name is Hannah Burrell and I am running for Graduate Senator to serve as a strong, inclusive, and proactive voice for graduate students across all programs. Graduate students bring a wide range of perspectives, academic disciplines, and lived experiences to our campus, yet we often face similar challenges related to resources, communication, and representation. I believe it is essential that ASISU actively listens to these diverse voices and works intentionally to ensure that every graduate student feels heard, valued, and supported.

I am currently completing my undergraduate degree in accounting and will be entering the Master of Accountancy program next year. This academic path has given me insight into the transition into graduate studies and the challenges graduate students face as they balance rigorous coursework, professional development, and long-term career goals. I have also had the pleasure of serving as the ASISU Director of Finance this year, where I gained valuable experience in student government operations, budgeting, and advocating for responsible use of student resources.

As a Graduate Senator, I want to focus on creating and expanding opportunities for graduate students. This includes advocating for increased access to professional development, networking, research support, and funding opportunities that help students succeed during their programs and beyond. I am committed to collaborating with students, faculty, and administration to identify gaps and develop initiatives that benefit graduate students across all disciplines.

I would be honored to serve as Graduate Senator and to work collaboratively to strengthen the graduate student experience and ensure meaningful, lasting impact for our graduate community.

Makenna Baughman, The Pillar Party

​​Hi everyone, my name is Makenna Baughman, and I am running for the position of Senator of the College of Health Sciences. My mission centers on three core priorities: outreach, support, and awareness. With many important changes approaching in the coming year, it is more important than ever that students feel informed, prepared, and genuinely heard. I want to strengthen the connection between students and college leadership by improving communication and ensuring your questions, concerns, and ideas are represented accurately and effectively.

I am committed to expanding outreach so every student, across every program, feels included and connected within our college community. I also aim to increase awareness of available resources, academic opportunities, and upcoming changes that impact our educational and professional paths. As future healthcare professionals, we understand the importance of advocacy, compassion, and leadership. I am ready to bring those same values to student government and advocate for you with transparency and dedication.

Lalita Baram, The Pillar Party

Hi! This is Lalita Baram, a pre- Medical Lab Science Student. I am running for Health Sciences Senator because I genuinely want to listen to what students are experiencing and make their voice heard. I know that the path is pretty difficult. The labs, the pressure to maintain grades, the programs and applications, ups and downs which can be too overwhelming at times. We are all working toward careers where we will take care of others but sometimes it feels like no one is really checking in on us. I am not running cause I think that I have all the answers but I am definitely running cause I care about how students like us in health sciences are actually feeling and what we are experiencing day to day. I want to create space where concerns about workload, academic pressures, communications, opportunities are properly heard and taken seriously.  I believe small improvements can actually make a big difference and bring out more attention to the communication between departments and students and more attention to our mental health in very demanding majors like ours. Well, I am a really good listener and also I am not afraid to speak up when and what it matters. I will listen, understand and then advocate thoughtfully. Representation, to me, is not just about being the loudest in the room, but it’s making sure that everyone else’s voice is heard. So, If I get elected, I promise to show up, stay present and represent our college of Health Sciences with sincerity and care. 

Prajakta Sharma

My name is Prajakta Sharma, a Medical Laboratory Science major in the College of Health, and I am running for Senator to represent students pursuing careers in healthcare and science. I am committed to advocating for meaningful opportunities, accessible resources, and stronger communication to ensure that every College of Health student has the support needed to succeed. As a student in a rigorous healthcare-focused program, I understand the academic intensity and professional expectations that health majors face. From demanding lab coursework to preparing for certifications and future graduate programs, our paths require dedication and strong institutional support. I want to ensure that students feel heard, supported, and represented within student government. One of my priorities is expanding awareness and access to research, internship, and professional development opportunities. Many students struggle to find hands-on experiences that strengthen their applications and career readiness. I will work to promote better communication about available opportunities and encourage stronger connections between students, faculty, and local healthcare professionals. Affordability is another major concern. The costs of textbooks, lab materials, certification exams, and application fees can create additional stress for students in already demanding programs. I will advocate for clearer communication about scholarships and financial resources, while supporting initiatives that help reduce unnecessary academic expenses whenever possible. Mental health and wellbeing are equally important. Healthcare programs can be intense, and students deserve accessible resources that support both academic success and personal wellbeing. I will continue advocating for increased awareness of mental health services and initiatives tailored to the needs of health students. Finally, I believe in building a more connected College of Health community. By strengthening communication between students and ASISU and encouraging collaboration across health programs, we can create an environment where students feel supported academically and professionally. My goal is simple: to represent College of Health students with dedication, integrity, and action. Together, we can continue building a stronger and more supportive community.

Go Bengals! 

Heather Swartz, The Pillar Party 

Hi Bengals!

My name is Heather Swartz, an Earth and Environmental Systems major, Biology minor, and I am excited to announce that I will be running for a Senator position with the College of Science and Engineering, as a member of the Pillar Party. I believe that I can provide representation for all students in the college while continuing to support connections between students and faculty. 

Being a part of both the Geoscience and Life Science departments, I have seen firsthand how little representation the two departments get in ASISU. As senator I will work to involve all departments throughout the College of Science and Engineering, ensuring each department receives the recognition and advocacy they deserve. As senator, I will work to promote research and career development opportunities to foster student success and growth.

I am committed to ensuring that funding is fairly and transparently distributed among departments, student involvement, and clubs. This will create environments that encourage students to learn, connect with others, and reach their academic goals. 

I am excited about the opportunity to serve as your senator to represent the goals, concerns, and voices of students throughout the College of Science and Engineering. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to represent my college and create a brighter future for all ISU students!

Go Bengals!

Srijan Pant, The Pillar Party

Hi! My name is Srijan, and I’m a Computer Science major running for Senator to represent the College of Science and Engineering. Like many of you, I’ve spent long hours in labs, debugging code at 2 a.m., and balancing heavy course loads with deadlines that all seem to land at the same time. Those experiences are exactly why I want to represent our college.

I’m running because students in science and engineering face unique challenges—demanding classes, limited lab availability, access to academic resources, and the need for better communication between students, faculty, and student government. If elected, I want to be an approachable and reliable point of contact for students who want their concerns heard but don’t always know where to start.

One of my main goals is to advocate for better academic and career support, including access to resources like tutoring, study spaces, and opportunities that connect coursework to real-world experience. I also want to work toward clearer communication, so students stay informed about opportunities, deadlines, and changes that affect our college.

As your Senator, I will listen, communicate, and speak up for the needs of science and engineering students. It would be an honor to represent you in Associated Students of Idaho State University, and I’d truly appreciate your support.

Go Bengals!

Ashraya Burlakoti

I am running for ASISU Senate at Idaho State University because many students are not fully aware of how decisions that affect them are made. We attend classes, pay fees, and use campus resources, yet it is often unclear how policies are shaped or how students can influence them. Students raise concerns about scheduling, fees, and campus policies, but they do not always see what happens after those concerns are shared. I want to improve that follow-through. After Senate meetings, there should be brief, straightforward updates explaining what was discussed and what actions, if any, were taken.

I also want to create consistent monthly feedback forms with visible responses. If a concern cannot be addressed, students should know why. If it can, they should know the timeline. Many students see student government as distant, and that perception reduces participation. Clear communication about what the Senate can and cannot control matters. I would support classroom visits, open forums, and direct updates that make representation easier to approach and easier to evaluate. Students should be able to see how their input moves through the system.

Hannah Van Metre, The Pillar Party

My name is Hannah Van Metre, and I am running to be your next senator for the College of Technology. As a dedicated student leader and proud member of the College of Technology, I am excited to run for a second term as ASISU senator representing COT. Over the past year, I have worked to advocate for student voices, strengthen communication, and support initiatives that improve the overall student experience. I am eager to continue building on that progress.

My primary goal is to strengthen the connection between the College of Technology and the rest of campus. COT students bring unique skills, perspectives, and career-focused education that deserve greater visibility and collaboration opportunities. I want to help ensure COT students feel fully represented and included in campus-wide events and resources.

I am also committed to advocating for improved amenities and opportunities that will directly support student success. Whether that means enhancing study spaces, promoting student involvement, or supporting program growth, I want to help create an environment where College of Technology students feel supported both academically and socially.

Through my previous term as senator and my experience as the Student Involvement Committee chair, I have developed strong communication, organization, and advocacy skills. I am passionate about listening to students and bringing forward their concerns and working collaboratively to create meaningful change.

I would be honored to continue representing the College of Technology and serving as a strong advocate for our students.

Ethan Paine, The Pillar Party

My name is Ethan Paine, and I am running to be your next senator for the College of Technology. I am a Diesel Technology Major in the College of Technology, and I am a proud ISU Bengal. This will be my first time running as an ASISU senator for the College of Technology. I am excited to represent the College of Technology and help to improve things such as on campus connection and overall wellbeing of the College of Technology students that may sometimes not get the attention or recognition that all students deserve.

One of my main goals as an ASISU senator is to inform most of the College of Tech students about things like higher education past their basic certificates. A lot of programs such as welding, automotive, and diesel technology are certificate programs but as a fulltime student taking 12 credits or more you are not charged for any other credits past the 12 you are taking. This means that, in my case for example, diesel technology is a 16 credit program so I can take 6 general education credits on top of the 16 from diesel for no extra cost on my tuition and allowing me to earn an associate’s degree. I would love to see more young people entering the workforce with actual degrees instead of just certificates. This makes it possible to receive higher pay and more opportunities for our students in the long run.

I will work as hard as possible to represent the valuable and irreplaceable students of Idaho State University. I hope to provide valuable information to, and improve on campus engagement, with all of Idaho State University’s amazing students.