NE North Dakota News

Shawn Bennett, a student at Minot State University, has taken on the role of president of the Student Government Association (SGA), bringing with him a strong sense of community and advocacy. Originally from Grafton, Bennett chose Minot State for its welcoming atmosphere, which reminded him of his hometown.

"I chose to attend MSU because of its hometown feeling and strong sense of fellowship," Bennett said. As a psychology major, he values human connections and appreciates the supportive environment at Minot State. "I love the people! Whether it be the faculty, staff, or students, MSU has some of the best people," he added.

Bennett's journey in student leadership began when he attended an SGA meeting on a friend's recommendation. This led to his roles as an SGA senator and eventually president. He reflects on this progression: "When I started at MSU, I knew very few people... A friend of mine recommended I attend an SGA meeting... After that, the rest fell into place as I served two terms as an SGA senator and now as president."

Balancing academics with leadership duties has been challenging for Bennett. However, he relies on his support system to manage these responsibilities effectively. "One of the biggest challenges I have faced so far has been learning to manage being both a student and representative in SGA,” he noted.

Bennett is committed to representing student voices in various areas including chairing meetings and collaborating on projects like the Student Center renovation planning. His goals focus on inclusivity and ensuring that students are actively involved in shaping their university experience.

"I hope to help share the voices of the students throughout the creation of the Student Center renovation and focus on creating a more vibrant and representative senate for the students at MSU," Bennett stated.

Minot State University is known for its dedication to education excellence through rigorous academic experiences and active learning environments.