ASMHCC President Passes the Torch – Interview with Jeffery Erickson

Jeffery Erickson stepped into his role as ASMHCC’s student body president with ambitious goals and little experience. He had never been involved in any form of student government, let alone managing a team, before his election. 

“I didn’t really know what I was getting into. But after I started running and campaigning, I really found that it was my first opportunity to make a difference,” Erickson said. 

Erickson told The Advocate at the start of his campaign that his goals were to improve student life and campus community. He planned to connect students with affordable housing, clean up campus grounds, and host fun events.  

He soon found that his goals were slowly slipping through his fingers. There was little interest in the groundwork or cleanliness of the campus. Without the students backing it, the board moved forward with other plans. His plans for affordable housing also ended quickly as he found limitations in negotiating a reasonable cost for students. 

Erickson had to seriously consider what aspects of his goals were realistic and adapt to the current wave coming right for him. He took on a year full of chaos and confusion about the bond, budget cuts and the club politics fiasco. Still, he and ASMHCC representatives sought to keep students informed about important changes that affect everyone. It kept his team busy and constantly challenging them to find new solutions. 

They were able to successfully contribute to community and campus culture on the side. Students may have noticed events like Tuesday crafts and Smash Ultimate Tournament, both run by ASMHCC members. It brought life back to the Student Union with decorations, fun games and connection sprinkled throughout the academic year.  

When asked if there was anything he would have done differently, Erickson responded, “Honestly, I can’t say that I would. I feel I have done really well. I feel I have an amazing team. I am really proud of them every day. Everyone gets along well. We’ve done really great work. So, I don’t think I would go back and change anything.” 

Erickson will have officially completed an entire academic year as student body president in June —the first in 6 years. He will be passing on his role to Liana Navarro for the 2026-27 academic year. The two have been well acquainted for around a year and a half, working on ASMHCC and leadership. He has been working closely with her after her election, guiding her through the main processes and supporting the transition into next year. 

“Since the first meeting, she was in that room with me. I know that she is smart, confident, driven and she is a natural leader. So, I feel excited passing it on to her,” Erickson said. 

Navarro’s swearing-in ceremony was on Thursday, May 7, during the Lunch with the President event in the Student Union. She will begin her role as student body president in June, along with her training during summer term. 

Student leadership roles have also been selected and sworn in by Navarro and ASMHCC Vice President Aubree Kennell.  

For more updates, keep an eye out for the next issue of the Advocate.