Associate Students of MHCC Elections: Your Voice Matters
- Cassidy Thao
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Cassidy Thao
The Advocate
ASMHCC 2026-27 presidential elections are being held from March 10 to March 12, and every student has a chance to make a difference. The current student body president, Jeffery Erickson, and vice president, Elaria Salib, have been working hard all year, and it’s nearly time to pass on the responsibility.
There are three candidates running for student body president: Liana Navarro, Nick Stone and Emanuely Igwira; and two candidates running for vice president: Nam Tien Dang and Aubree Kennell. You may have seen these familiar faces around the Student Union or posted around campus during their campaign throughout March. While the candidates have certainly made themselves known by attending public events, students are still left wondering what this election truly means — and why it matters.
WHAT IS ASMHCC?
ASMHCC representatives are an executive council of students trained by MHCC’s Student Life and Civic Engagement Director, Dr. Abio Ayeliya. Months before joining the team, they are required to take leadership courses and collaborate on a tangible project that improves student life. The positions of student body president and vice president are elected by students, while the other student leadership roles are chosen by Dr. Ayeliya and the elected officials through an interview process.
ASMHCC stands for Associated Students of Mount Hood Community College and applies to all students attending MHCC — on campus or online. The term was coined by representatives to be more inclusive of students and their role in decision-making on campus. ASMHCC representatives choose not to use the label “student government” and instead focus on advocating for students’ needs. Regardless of how big or small the problem is, they take each student’s concern into account and use that feedback to push for change. Think of them as a megaphone in your hands — a tool that is ready whenever you take a stand.
A few major transformations ASMHCC representatives are recognized for include:
Advocating for the drinking fountains installed across campus
Creating and funding the Multicultural and Diversity Resource Center (MDRC)
Organizing and supplying Barney’s Pantry, a basic-needs resource regularly used by 500 students each week
GETTING INVOLVED
The executive council serves as the bridge between students and administration, but they cannot function without student involvement. With the elections approaching, Dr. Abio Ayeliya strongly encourages students to ask questions of each presidential candidate, understand their goals and decide which one best represents their needs.
Be sure to check out each candidate’s profile, available on the MHCC website or in video format on Instagram at @mhcc_studentlife. Every vote matters when it comes to choosing the right representative.
The Executive Council also meets weekly on Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Student Union’s ASMHCC offices for those who want to stay informed about current discussions.
HOW TO VOTE
Comments