In September 2021, finance junior Jeff Ebeck reached out to agricultural economics junior Parker Vulgamore to see if Vulgamore would be interested in running with him for student body president and vice president in the spring. With an instant connection and a shared vision of how they wanted to improve Kansas State, the couple decided to take the trip together.
“When Jeff and I started talking about how we see the future and our vision for K-State, it made sense. [to run together] in different ways,” Vulgamore said. “We both complement each other very well. I think we represent such a large and diverse network within the student body – and that’s basically what you do as president. You are elected to represent the student body.
Ebeck and Vulgamore decided to operate on two platforms: prosperity and purpose. Stacia Mendoza, outside campaign manager and finance junior, said these platforms favor quality over quantity.
“Prosperity and purpose really sums up their goals,” Mendoza said. “They want students to have the resources they need on campus to find their purpose so they can thrive while they’re at K-State and in the future upon graduation.”
Campaign goals
Prosperity: Ensuring that students have the tools and resources necessary to thrive at K-State and come away with the knowledge and connections necessary to enjoy prosperity and success thereafter.
Goal: Helping students connect with the K-State family to find their purpose and passion on campus through curriculum, student organizations, projects, services, and more.
Vulgamore and Ebeck have leadership experience in the Student Governors Association and other student organizations. Vulgamore served two terms as a senator from the College of Agriculture and is currently the college caucus leader. Ebeck participated in the SGA Internship Program, served as Director of Modernization, and is currently Director of Student Finance. Both candidates have also served on numerous committees within the SGA.
“A lot of Jeff’s background comes from the executive branch and the president’s office and a lot of mine comes from the legislative branch — the elected body — which represents students on politics and other things,” Vulgamore said. .
Ebeck said the couple’s past experiences taught them the skills to represent the student body.
“It’s important to be able to communicate with administrators and say, ‘This is where students are lacking, and this is what students need on campus,'” Ebeck said. “We build trust between administrators and students by being good communicators.”
Vulgamore and Ebeck have many goals that fall under prosperity and purpose. A few of these goals and initiatives include creating a more effective orientation for freshmen, expanding outreach and recruitment efforts in “small town” and out-of-state high schools and ensuring that independent student organizations are supported and represented.
Ebeck said he is passionate about helping students understand and use various financial skills such as understanding how loans work, how to do taxes and other skills needed in adult life. Ebeck has previously partnered with Powercat Financial to create financial literacy workshops, but hopes to take it to the next level by creating a “K-State 8” course that promotes financial literacy.
“I would love to have a course on improving financial literacy,” Ebeck said. “How can I get loans, but also how can I repay them? If there was a class for students that they could take for three or even one credit hour and kick it out of their K-State 8, that would be awesome. It would help them prosper and understand taxes and loans. »
However, Vulgamore said his and Ebeck’s rigs didn’t just come on their own. They have collaborated with groups on campus to ask what these organizations need for support, and both want to continue this dialogue with as many students as possible.
“We’re here for you, but we’re always here to listen to you,” Ebeck said. “We always have an open door, an email or even a DM on Instagram. Feel free to text or call us. I would love to hear your thoughts or even how we can improve our platforms to align them more with your student experience. »
Vulgamore said he wanted to make sure every student had a seat at the table.
“Students are going to have a seat at the table and your organization will be represented,” Vulgamore said. “We will do everything we can to inform you of what is happening. We are truly optimistic about the future with President Linton and all that may come from it.
Vulgamore said he encourages students to get out and vote this election season.
“I encourage everyone to get involved, to use your voice, to exercise your civic duty as a citizen of this university, to get out there and vote,” Vulgamore said. “Speak your mind and make yourself heard. We are here to empower you and listen to you.
More information on the Vulgamore and Ebeck campaign can be found at their website. Elections will take place on February 22 and 23, with students receiving a notification on their Canvas page to vote during this time.
