Speaker of the Senate: Merlin Gerhard (they/them)
Email: gerhardl@sou.edu
Office Hours: Thursday 3:30 – 5:30pm (ASSOU Office)
I am a sophomore in SOU’s creative writing program and ASSOU’s Speaker of Senate. They are excited to get started this year and let student voices be heard!
I decided to join student government so that I could get a better understanding of how I can better support different clubs and organizations on campus and how I can be an advocate for them. I am looking forward to working with all the amazing clubs and organizations on campus and seeing what I can do to best support them. Along with that, I am excited to take a deep dive into student government and learn about how it all works.
Academic Advocacy Senator: Chantal Ramirez (she/her)
Email: ramirezc3@sou.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday & Friday 8:30 – 10:30am
Hello, my name is Chantal Ramirez I am the Academic advocacy senator. I transferred as a junior and I am completing my Bachelors in Psychology and minor in criminal justice. I have a 3-year-old dog named Nala!
Accessibility Senator: Teasha Patterson (she/them)
Email: pattersot@sou.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 12:30 – 1:30pm (Disability Resources Center)
I am a senior here at SOU majoring in Psychology with a Communications minor. I’m a parent and a long-time outdoor-loving Oregonian, you can catch me cooling off at Applegate Lake any day between May and September. Prior to taking this role I worked with the Family Advisory Council in partnership with the Southern Oregon Success Network, organizations dedicated to improving the health of our community. As a non-traditional, disabled student I hope to improve the accessibility on campus and advocate for student needs. I hope to utilize my connections with community resources to help fellow students have the best possible experience here at SOU!
Gender Equity and Sexual Diversity: Quinn Nightingale (they/them)
Email: nightingq@sou.edu
Office Hours: Monday 12:30 – 2:30pm (Social Justice & Equity Center)
I am in my second year at SOU after transferring here, as a pre-veterinary/biology major. I joined ASSOU because transgender people are facing discrimination across the country and I want to ensure our voices are heard in our community. As senator, I will work to bring people together and improve the lives of students in any way I can. I’d love to connect with more people, and I’m always open to hearing concerns or suggestions, so come have a chat!
Multicultural Affairs Senator: Elena Pereira (she/her)
Email: pereiraj@sou.edu
Office Hours: Friday 1 – 3pm (Social Justice & Equity Center)
Talofa! I’m a first year at SOU majoring in Criminology/Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Science. I was interested in Student Government because I wanted to further my experience in leadership by being of service to students, especially minorities. Through this position, I want to create a fun and welcoming environment. In addition, I want to be a resource for my constituents. I am excited to serve to the best of my ability and look forward to working with everyone this year.
Non-Traditional, Military Affairs & Higher Education Senator: Sebastian Cantero (he/him)
Email: canteros@sou.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 12 – 2pm
My name is Sebastian Cantero and I’m the Non-traditional student senator. I am also a resident manager for student apartments and family housing (SAFH). My major is political philosophy with a minor in psychology. I joined ASSOU because I am interested in public policy and I plan on going to law school after graduation. This year I’m looking forward to working with the diverse group of student leaders to implement positive changes on campus.
ROAP Senator: Ayden Wolgamott (he/him)
Email: wolgamota@sou.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 1-3pm (ASSOU Office)
My name is Ayden Wolgamott and I am a wrestler and math major here at SOU. I joined the senate as ROAP senator because I want to represent the SOU student body with the utmost accuracy regarding decisions made for our recreation center and campus life as a whole! I plan to strive for more with this position and create as many new clubs opportunities possible for our campus. I am also really excited to advocate and initiate new sports facilities to be built and increased funding for our athletes.
Campus Life & Housing Senator: Melina Lomas (she/her)
Email: lomasm@sou.edu
Office Hours: Monday 1-3pm (ASSOU Office)
Hi everyone! I am currently a Freshman studying Criminal Justice and minoring in Marketing. I am from Chicago but was attracted to SOU because of the beautiful campus and the diversity! I enjoy helping out others and being involved on campus and decided to join ASSOU. As the Senator of Housing I will make sure that all students feel comfortable and welcome in their home away from home and help everyone out with what they need. Feel free to reach out to me!