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Ashley McCollum and Clark Reboul (middle) were sworn in as president and vice president, respectively, of Clemson Undergraduate Student
Government in April 2023. They received orange jackets from predecessors Malik Balogun and Julia Blouin in the President’s Park Rotunda.
What were the highlights of your campaign platform?
McCollum:
“We incorporated a lot of what different
students see from their perspectives. We compiled
a joint idea of what we wanted to run on. Keeping the
core value of the student experience was important.”
Reboul:
“Students can form their own circles and
not branch out much. We want them to know there
are opportunities to be involved—whether it’s club
sports or student government or something else.
Making sure students know campus engagement
is important.”
What was your initial reaction to the news the student
body had elected you as its new leader?
McCollum:
“I am the first African-American woman
in Clemson history to be elected student body
president, so it’s neat to know your name is forever
etched in history. We talk about Harvey and Lucinda
Gantt and other trailblazers like Rita Barker. You
never think it’s going to be you, but I was humbled
and honored students saw the genuine love we have
for Clemson in our platform and how we want to be
servant leaders.”
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How did previous experiences help prepare you for a
leadership role?
Reboul:
“I’ve been involved in a bunch of things on
campus. I was recruitment chair for my chapter in
Alpha Sigma Phi. I’ve been a tour guide and a member
of Student Alumni Council. Regardless of whether
you’re a large Greek chapter or a startup club like
Friday Morning Swim, every organization deserves
the opportunity to be represented through students.”
If you could summarize your Clemson Experience in
a few words or phrases, what would they be?
McCollum:
“Unmatched. Through my own growth
academically and personally, I’ve found myself in a
lot of leadership roles. I’m so grateful I gave Clemson
a chance, because the Tiger Paw binds us together.
The people, culture and academic services are
unmatched.”
Reboul:
“Family. I know it’s cliché, but it’s true. It’s
also transformative. I’ve grown so much through
my Clemson Experience. I’ve been able to mature and
become a person I’m proud of through this experience.”
Student Leader Spotlight
Question and Answer