SGA Weekly Update: Leadership Insights, Legislative Advocacy and the Big 12

Brady Kappelmann and Bently Taulbert smile with Cole Deutschendorf in Wildcat 91.9's Studio D for the SGA Weekly Update. Courtesy: Dawson Wagner

Listen to Ep. 4 of SGA Weekly Updates- Hosted by Cole Deutschendorf

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In this week’s SGA Weekly Update, Cole Deutschendorf sat down with Brady Kappelmann and Bently Taulbert to discuss their roles and responsibilities within Kansas State University’s Student Government Association (SGA), as well as an update of their ongoing initiatives.

Week 4 SGA Member Features

Brady Kappelmann, the Chief of Staff, explained that his primary duties involve overseeing a team of 20 cabinet directors. He ensures that these directors stay on track with their projects and helps implement the goals set by the student body president and vice president. Brady also chairs weekly cabinet meetings and works closely with the leadership team to ensure campaign promises are turned into tangible results.

Bently Taulbert, the Legislative Director, shared that his role focuses on maintaining relationships with elected officials at the state and federal levels. He attends Kansas Board of Regents meetings and represents K-State at conferences like Big 12 on the Hill, where he advocates for student interests such as mental health and college affordability. Bently emphasized the importance of effective communication with policymakers to ensure that student concerns are heard and addressed.

Pathways to SGA Involvement

Both Brady and Bently shared their journeys into SGA, highlighting early involvement through programs like Emerging Leaders and their progression through various roles. They underscored the value of mentorship and networking in shaping their paths within student government.

Big 12 Student Government Conference

The discussion also covered the recent Big 12 Student Government Conference, where SGA leaders from various universities collaborate and share best practices. A significant topic was the proposal for a unified legislative body across Big 12 schools, though challenges remain due to differing university needs.

Future Vision and Impact

Looking ahead, both leaders expressed hopes for continued evolution in SGA’s legislative involvement and internal processes. They aim to adapt to changing student needs while maintaining effective advocacy strategies. The insights gained from conferences are expected to enhance SGA's ability to serve the student body at Kansas State University.

This week's update provided a comprehensive look at how SGA leaders are working to address student needs through strategic planning, advocacy, and collaboration.