People have asked me over the past few weeks how I feel about my time as student body president, whether I will miss it or am happy to be done. While I have not grown gray hair like the United States presidents near the end of their terms, I am fulfilled in knowing we accomplished what we set out do, and it is time to respectfully transition to the next stage of my life.

This year has been the best of my collegiate career at Wichita State. Serving as student body president has been both personally and professionally transformative. I want to dedicate my last letter to reflect on my many lessons learned at the university and offer my gratitude to those who made this journey possible.

Several members of the WSU community have contributed to my success.

Dr. Wade Robinson, vice president for Student Affairs, is one mentor who has contributed to my success. He has continued Dr. James Rhatigan’s legacy of excellence in Student Affairs by strengthening our culture of student inclusion in university decision-making. He was innovative in spearheading the creation of the Office of Student Involvement and in simultaneously leading the Rhatigan Student Center renovation and construction of Shocker Hall, an impressive feat considering the rapid approval and timeline of the new residence hall.

I do not believe he gets the full credit he deserves for his excellent service to the institution.

Some regard Robinson as blunt and unapproachable based on his large stature, but those generalizations are probably the result of being unprepared or misinformed. He is a big teddy bear.

I have learned firsthand he is the exemplar of a pro-student advocate who is devoted to student success. I attribute his advice and feedback as the reason for Student Government’s success during my tenure.

As the Student Government adviser, he attends every Student Senate meeting, even those that run late into the evening. He responds within minutes to my midnight emails on the weekend. He responds immediately to student concerns. In sum, he is the best at what he does.

His departure from the university this summer will be a tremendous loss for students and Student Government. Robinson’s replacement has big shoes to fill.

As the university pursues its bold new vision, I earnestly hope that Student Affairs, and by extension, Student Government, continue to receive the necessary resources and attention as the primary engine for student development and success. I have seen firsthand the relevance and value added by Student Affairs to the student body, especially as performed under the leadership of Robinson.

Based on my intimate knowledge of university operations, it is obvious tension and politicking has taken root as a result of uncertainty on many fronts. Such malignant trends have and will continue to negatively impact students — the real reason why the university exists. The university’s 2012-13 Strategic Plan Steering Committee revealed the community’s feedback in the “culture” dataset confirms this challenging reality.

It appears more work needs to be done. In response to the recent Wichita Eagle article about administrative wrongdoing at WSU, I have documented my perspective and insight based on my experiences this past year. My responsibility is to do what I believe is right.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your student body president this year. I am indebted to the many students and mentors who made this experience possible. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you for consistently reminding me of the Student Government ethos, “Students Come First.” I wish you and your loved ones the best.