Q and A with Sydney Stafford, Board of Visitors student rep

Sydney Stafford serves as the student representative to the Board of Visitors for the 2024-2025 academic year. She stays active at JMU through leadership roles in the Student Government Association, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and in several campus committees. In her role as the Board representative, she aims to enhance student engagement with university governance and advocate for student interests. Below, she shares insights into her experience and goals. 

Q: How were you chosen to be student representative to the Board? 

I was elected in a student body-wide election last spring, alongside the student body president, vice president and treasurer. JMU is unique in that our student representative is elected by students, whereas at many other universities, this position is appointed by the board. 

Q: What motivated you to run for this role, and what do you hope to accomplish? 

After studying abroad in fall 2023, I wanted to find new ways to give back to JMU in a bigger capacity. I shadowed my predecessor and realized how impactful this role is. My goals include keeping students informed about Board decisions, amplifying student voices in university governance, and creating a forum for student representatives across Virginia to collaborate. 

Q: What issues are important to you as a student representative? 

The presidential search has been a major focus, as selecting JMU's next leader will shape the university's future. It is important to me that we have a leader who is for the students and represents the values and culture of this institution. Additionally, I am extremely passionate about ensuring students' voices are heard in every decision-making space on campus. Another vital part of my role is to improve student awareness of those decision-making spaces as well as bridge the gap between university leadership and students.   

Q: What issues have been important to students this year? 

The presidential search has been a priority for many students. I’ve had numerous discussions about what students want in a university president—someone engaged with both students and the broader Harrisonburg community. Other topics that have surfaced include the General Education Program and campus sustainability efforts. 

Q: Was there anything you’ve experienced since starting your term that you didn’t expect? 

Before my term, the student representative only presented at the student affairs committee meeting, which meant that only a select few Board members were able to hear, in presentation format, about the student experience. After meeting with the rector over the summer, we decided it would be beneficial for the student representative to present at both the full Board and student affairs meeting. This opportunity allowed me to expand my platform and provide a more in-depth student perspective to university leadership. 

Q: You’ve been involved in student government, Greek Life, and other leadership roles—how have these experiences prepared you for this position? 

My involvement in student government gave me insight into university operations and governance. In Greek Life, serving as the new member educator of Gamma Phi Beta has helped me work with diverse groups, navigate leadership challenges, and build consensus—skills that are crucial for this role. 

Q: What do you hope your legacy as student representative to the Board will be? 

I hope to leave a legacy of increased student engagement in university decision making. The student voice is so important, especially when university changes impact not only students' education, but their lives outside of the classroom. I want students to feel connected to the Board and university leadership and feel empowered to share their voices on important issues. I feel the legacy of this position is not only impacted by me, but the voices of every student I represent. 

Q: If you could implement one major change at JMU today, what would it be and why? 

On a fun note, I would make Buffalo Mash available every day! Regarding our education, I would like to see more service-learning opportunities in each academic department. I think that volunteering and working with the community is a great way to grow civic responsibility and career readiness while also giving back to those around us. I would also like to expand our sustainability initiatives to ensure JMU remains a leader in environmental responsibility. 

Q: Anything else you’d like to add? 

Serving as student representative has been an incredible honor. My favorite part of this role has been meeting with so many student groups and learning about the diverse perspectives within our university. JMU has a unique and vibrant community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent and advocate for my fellow students.