Two Mid-State students will take on new roles at the state level in Wisconsin Student Government (WSG) as a result of the organization’s elections for the upcoming 2021–22 academic year held on April 16. 

Dan Herder, Digital Marketing student from Spencer, was elected vice president of the WSG executive board for the next academic year. Herder currently serves as Mid-State’s governor after serving as lieutenant governor the previous year. In his role as WSG vice president, he will stand in as president as needed and serve as ex-officio member of all committees.

Ann Ilagan, Plover, currently enrolled in Mid-State business classes, will assume a newly established role as public relations representative. Ilagan recently stepped down from two successful years at WSG president. In her work as public relations representative, she will promote WSG on the organization’s social media and website and develop promotional materials, among other duties. She will also attend statewide meetings in place of the president as needed.

WSG is comprised of representatives for the 16 technical college districts in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Each participating college selects governors from among its students, and this group of governors votes at the last meeting of the academic year to elect its officers for the upcoming year, choosing from the candidates who have decided to run for the positions.

“Dan comes to us already holding BAs in political science and philosophy from UW-Eau Claire and has been a fantastic representative of our college over the past two years,” said Jon Steele, Mid-State social sciences instructor and WSG advisor. “He will undoubtedly serve the WTCS students well in this new role.”
 
Ilagan, a graduate of Mid-State’s Business Management and Digital Marketing programs, will graduate this spring from UW-Stevens Point with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. “Ann’s experience marketing and promoting her own business, her direct experience with higher education in Wisconsin and her depth of knowledge about WSG and the WTCS will unquestionably build the important foundation this new role requires,” Steele said. She will continue taking business classes at Mid-State in the coming year.

“I was excited to learn I would assume the public relations role for WSG and continue leading through a different avenue,” Ilagan said. “Getting involved in extracurriculars like the WSG has given me a way to walk out my academic journey, apply what I’ve learned in the classroom and connect more ‘dots.’ Learning about local and state government and engaging with legislators have deepened my understanding of how the Wisconsin Technical Colleges help serve local communities and boost economies across the state.”

Learn more about student government and other leadership opportunities available to Mid-State students at mstc.edu/student-life.