Nicholas Johnson, the latest addition to Student Senate, has an impressive weight to carry as the new representative for Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA).
The primary goals of MSA are to assist in the retention and graduation of students, promote diversity and enhance human understanding within Shippensburg University and the greater community.
The former student senator for MSA, Jetta Alberts, decided to step down from the position in order to devote her time to an internship opportunity.
Chris Leguizamon is also a student senator for MSA.
In the process of seeking a new senator, Johnson’s name came to the attention of Diane Jefferson, the director of MSA.
“I recommended Nick for the position because he truly is dedicated to promoting diversity and improving the quality of life at Shippensburg for all students,” Jefferson said.
Hoping to become more involved with campus organizations, Johnson first crossed paths with some members of MSA about 18 months ago after he left the football team. After getting to know some of the people involved with MSA, Johnson saw that the organization provided a means to create change on campus.
“One viable thing MSA really does is they help develop leaders,” Johnson said.
For students who come from different countries and family backgrounds, MSA helps provide a smooth transition into college life and give students an opportunity to connect with people who share similar cultures.
As a student senator for MSA, Johnson hopes to help SU increase its retention rate of students and provide support for anyone in need. In Student Senate, Johnson is a member of the diversity and cultural affairs committee and the general education council.
“I have a very strong belief in serving. Not serving just for yourself but for others,” Johnson said. His main focus in life has been multiculturalism and paving the way for diversity. “My main goal is just to do my part to help make things better for everyone.”
Johnson is a junior with a double major in human communications and international studies. Outside of Student Senate, he is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the Frederick Douglas Institute, BROTHERS Youth Summit and is a trained mediator.
On Jan. 30, Johnson was sworn into Student Senate and attended his first meeting. “I was very impressed. This is my first time going into a position such as this one and just seeing the body of professionalism… I could tell by that meeting that it was a real opportunity to get some things going,” Johnson said.
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