Meet your new SGA President of James Madison University: Matt Klein! Native to Burke, Virginia, Matt is a Marketing Major and involved with Student Ambassadors and InterVarsity. A passionate leader, Matt is ready to take on JMU and fulfill his duties as president of the 2012-2013 school year.
HC JMU: What inspired you to run for this position?
MK: My passion for the school and the SGA organization motivated me the most. My experiences in Class Council the last couple of years equipped me with the leadership drive and knowledge of the organization in order to prepare myself for such a hefty role.
HC JMU: What was the biggest obstacle throughout your campaign?
MK: My biggest obstacle in running was sticking to my belief to run as an individual. Running as an individual was tough because I had to pull resources from just one person–myself. I felt that it was important for the Student Body to vote for me based off of my qualities and character and not on the group of people I ran with as a collective whole.
HC JMU: What are your plans for JMU during your term?
MK: My plans for JMU are to start working with SGA as a team effort and instilling each member to be an active member in changing this campus. The more people that are empowered with the resources and knowledge to change, the more will get done. Listening to the students and voicing concerns to the administration is important. I must harness those relationships on both ends in order to be an effective leader. I want the students to know what the SGA is doing to better the university and that we are here for them as resources to help their organization and overall JMU experience.
HC JMU: What do you love most about JMU?
MK: I love JMU’s constant concern to serve its students. We look out for each other, and JMU looks out for us. For the most part, when we have a need or have a concern, it is at least discussed, and, usually solved. We are always opening doors for each other. Literally.