PULLMAN – Since Jason McConnell was elected president of the Graduate and Professional Student Association in spring, the group has seen creation of an evening child-care subsidy, improvements in health-care policies, and better advocacy for hourly employees.
“GPSA provides a wide array of services and support to our unique population,” McConnell said. “This is how it should be, and my goal is to continue with a fine record of service as president of GPSA.”
To accomplish that, he outlined his prospective goals:
– Firmly embrace leadership
– Learn who my constituents are, and help them formulate strategic solutions
– Make sure that constituents receive a graduate/professional level education that will serve them well for years to come
– Support and improve the quality of life of graduate and professional students
– Be a more fully functioning professional
McConnell is in his fifth semester at WSU, where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in political science. His involvement with GPSA began when he was elected to represent the Political Science Department as a senator. He later became district representative for the College of Liberal Arts.
He said he is conscious of WSU undergraduates and their significance in the future of the GPSA. He also recognizes that solid relationships with faculty are integral.
“We must pay close attention to our relationships with these two important groups,” he said, adding, “The ASWSU relationship with GPSA is better than ever.
“I have come to appreciate much about our school and Pullman in general,” McConnell said. “I have seen enthusiasm, rigor and pragmatism at WSU, without much of the pessimism or rancor plaguing so many other institutions.”
