Tessa Erdmann, a student majoring in agricultural communications from Groton, South Dakota, has been elected as the 2023-2024 CAFES Advocate on the Prexy Council Executive team at the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES).
This prestigious position, the only one decided by the entire CAFES student body, entails being the voice and representative of all students within Prexy Council. The Advocate's primary responsibilities include voicing student concerns, bringing forth innovative ideas that benefit CAFES students, and fostering a supportive environment.
Prexy Council serves as the governing body for all CAFES clubs and organizations at SDSU. It organizes various events and socials, including the popular Ag Day celebration.
To select the Advocate, a committee composed of a CAFES student senator, Prexy Council executive officer, and Prexy Council advisor conducts interviews with nominated students representing their clubs. The committee then narrows down the pool of candidates to three finalists.
Alongside Tessa Erdmann, this year's finalists were Kristen Smith, an agricultural communication student from College Springs, Iowa, and Brynn Lozinski, a student majoring in animal science and agricultural communications from Clara City, Minnesota.
Once the finalists were chosen, they had the opportunity to present their platforms to clubs and students, as well as campaign through social media channels. The voting for CAFES Advocate took place on March 22 and 23, 2023, coinciding with the Students' Association Elections.
As the newly elected CAFES Advocate, Tessa Erdmann aims to establish connections with her fellow CAFES students and actively represent their interests within Prexy Council. She plans to maintain an open line of communication with students through a comprehensive CAFES report, providing updates on news, scholarships, job/internship opportunities, club activities, and more.
Throughout her tenure, Erdmann aspires to accomplish several goals, including collaborating closely with the Students' Association to explore funding opportunities and establishing connections with industry professionals to create valuable prospects for CAFES students. She also intends to work closely with administrative leaders within CAFES to ensure effective representation and advocacy.
Expressing her gratitude, Erdmann remarked, "I am truly honored to have been selected by the CAFES students for the position of CAFES Advocate. I am excited about the numerous possibilities that come with this role. Above all, I am eager to be the voice for CAFES students and contribute to the incredible work that Prexy Council does for our community."
Photo Credit: American Highland Cattle Association
Categories: South Dakota, General