SGA
Executive Branch
The Executive Branch is charged with executing any and all necessary action required in the completion of all legislative decrees. The Executive Branch consists of a President, Vice President, Chief of Staff, Director of Finance, Attorney General, Director of Academic Affairs, Director of Student Services, Director of Technology, Director of Outreach, Director of Diversty and Inclusion, and Student Member to the Board of Trustees. During office hours the Executive Branch can be found in the Student Organization Center, which is located in the basement of the University Union.
The Executive Branch represents SGA in all University activities either directly or indirectly as deemed by the President.
Makena Martin, President
Hello, my name is Makena Martin, and I am honored to serve as your Student Government Association (SGA) President. I’m a senior here at Western Illinois University (WIU), majoring in Forensic Psychology and double minoring in Political Science and Law Enforcement. This is a transformative time in your life—a chance to discover your passions, build lifelong connections, and leave a lasting mark on our campus community.
At the heart of SGA’s mission is service. We exist to amplify student voices, advocate for your needs, and ensure that WIU is a place where every student feels seen, heard, and supported. From improving campus resources to fostering an inclusive community, we’re here to ensure your experience is as enriching and empowering as possible.
My own journey at WIU has been shaped by getting involved and embracing leadership roles. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure where I’d fit in. But through student organizations and leadership positions, I’ve learned that stepping outside your comfort zone is where growth truly happens. One of the most defining moments for me was joining SGA. It’s given me the opportunity to advocate for student well-being, collaborate with faculty and administration, and create spaces where student voices are not only welcomed but prioritized.
Beyond SGA, I’ve had the privilege of being the President of Rockython and participating as the Vice President Pre-Law Society. These roles have shown me the power of service, teamwork, and determination. With Rockython, I’ve worked to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. With the Pre-Law Society, I’ve built connections with peers and mentors who share my passion for justice. Every experience has reinforced my belief that leadership is about listening, learning, and supporting others to reach their full potential.
If I can offer one piece of advice, it’s to get involved. Your voice matters, and there’s no better way to amplify it than by participating in campus life. Attend the Student Org Fair, join a club that aligns with your interests, or create something entirely new. WIU offers endless opportunities to connect with people who will inspire and challenge you. Some of my closest friends and most meaningful experiences have come from stepping into new spaces.
As your SGA President, I’m here to ensure that you’re not walking this path alone. If you have questions, ideas, or concerns about campus life, I’m just a message away. You can reach me at sgapresident@wiu.edu. Your thoughts matter, and I’m committed to listening and acting on them.
Let’s make this year one of growth, inclusion, and meaningful change. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected campus community.
With gratitude and determination,
Makena Martin
President
Student Government Association (SGA)
Western Illinois University
Kaitlyn Crisantos, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In addition to her current role, Kaitlyn has an exensive background in leadership within the university, She previously served as Speaker of the Senate for the Student Government Association (SGA)
An active member of Alpha Psi Lambda National Inc. Fraternity, Kaitlyn held the position of President for two years. During her freshman year, she revitalized and led the social justice organization, AMPLIFY, bringing it back from dormancy. Kaitlyn has also served as Treasurer for The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), ROTC, and was a Women's Center Senator. She is involved in the Psi Chi Honor Society and the Centennial Honors College at WIU.
Throughout her time at Western Illinois University, Kaitlyn has contributed to numerous committees and supported organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is also recognized as a Dean's List Scholar.
Kaitlyn passionately advocates for social justice, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating both differences and similarities. She has engaged in regular dialogues with university officials to address student and community needs. As Vice President of DEI, Kaitlyn aims to implement positive actions and equip students with the resources necessary for life after college.
Crisantos shares, "Social justice has been a long-term fight to have voices heard and rights executed properly. I feel that in order to have social justice, we must embrace diversity in all its forms. Our differences should be celebrated and our similarities cherished. I believe my voice is essential for advocating our community's needs."
Email: kn-crisantos@wiu.edu
VACANT, Vice President of Internal Affairs
Alonzo Ruffin, Vice President of External Affairs
My name is Alonzo Ruffin Jr. I am currently a junior and a nursing major with a minor in studio art. I am also a returning RA who takes pride in opportunity and chance for all students.
Simply put, I have a lot of things that I will achieve for the remaining years here at WIU. Western has huge potential and a lot of room for growth and change. I will make sure to elevate those possibilities as well as evolve Western. The ultimate goal is to re-ignite the spark within students and faculty again. This is our year so let's make it count.
Email: a-ruffin2@wiu.edu
Cody Cornell, Student Representative to the Board of Trustees
Secretary, Columbia; Elected to Serve July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Cody Cornell, a senior majoring in Agriculture Science from Columbia, Illinois, has been elected to serve his third term as the student member of the WIU Board of Trustees from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Cornell is an active member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, where he previously held the position of Noble Ruler (President). He also serves on the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity National Collegiate Advisory Council until 2025. His involvement extends to the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee Board, where he is a member of the Student Advisory Committee. During his sophomore year, he served as the Director of Academic Affairs for the Student Government Association and currently acts as the liaison between the Board of Trustees and the Student Government Association.
Throughout his time at Western Illinois University, Cornell has been a part of the AgVocators Team, the Interfraternity Council, the Academic Calendar Committee, the Honors College SWOT Analysis Team, and the St. Francis Catholic Newman Center. He has received several accolades, including a nomination for the Lincoln Laureate Award, serving as an Honors Convocation Marshal, the Dan and Laura Webb Pre-Law Scholarship, the New Member of the Year Award from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, a nomination for the Kinsey Tiemann Emerging Leader Award from the Office of Student Engagement, and the George Washington Carver Award from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Additionally, he is a Dean's List Scholar.
In the summer of 2024, Cornell is interning with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture in Washington, D.C. as the Congressional and Stakeholder Affairs intern. During the school year, he works as the National Intern and Ambassador Coordinator for the Prairie Hills Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. that plans and conducts activities that increase the conservation of natural resources, support economic development, and enhance the environment and standard of living for citizens in the Macomb community.
As a member of the WIU Board of Trustees, Cornell is dedicated to representing the voices and concerns of WIU students, ensuring the institution remains a place of opportunity and success for all members of the Leatherneck community.
Cornell will serve as the Secretary for the WIU Board of Trustees from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Email:
ct-trustee@wiu.edu
Jeffery Keith, Attourney General
My name is Jeffrey Keith and I'm a sophomore, Economics major, Dean's List Scholar, and
Attorney General for SGA. As Attorney General, I serve as SGA’s Ethics Officer, key
disciplinarian, interpreter of, and foremost authority on the SGA Constitution and any related
policies and procedures.
Outside of SGA I’m an RA, the Co-Communications Coordinator for the Caroline Grote chapter
of the National Residence Hall Honorary, and an all-around rather involved student. On a more
personal level, I enjoy long walks, carrot muffins, lemonade, piano, and philosophical
discussions. I love Western, and one of my foremost desires is to encourage and facilitate the
very real growth that this institution and its students and faculty are capable of, both individually
and collectively.
Email: jp-keith@wiu.edu
Jade Cross, Director of Public Relations
Hey! My name is Jade Cross and I am currently serving as the Director of Public Relations for SGA!
This is my first year on campus as a Freshman and I am so excited to be a part of such an important org on campus. I am also involved with BSA,
Amplify, NAACP, Marketing club, as well as Badminton club to throw
some physical activity in there other than walking up and down the many hills we have on campus.
My Favorite thing about serving on SGA’s Cabinet is working with other students to make student life in general better. Having real conversations and taking real action. Despite the current state of campus, we are always trying to make it better and be a voice for students. I look forward to all that we can accomplish during my time here!
Email:
jn-cross@wiu.edu
Zaire Bradsher, Director of Academic Affairs
My name is Zaire Bradsher. I am currently a sophomore pursuing my degree in Engineering Technology and am the Director of Academic Affairs while also the Hall government president for Lincoln, Washington, and Grote.
Stephen Druse, Director of Technology
My name is Stephen Druse, and it is my honor to serve as your Director of Technology for the 2024-25 academic year. I’m a Senior here at WIU, with two majors in RPTA and LEJA, and two minors in Natural Resources Conservation and Spanish. Outside of SGA, I’m also involved in WIU’s Forestry Club, Environmental Service Club, Zoology Club, and Agricultural Council, along with my work at the UWC as a writing consultant. I also enjoy long walks in the woods and looking for cool bugs.
I’m extremely excited to help WIU grow our technological prowess while still staying within the reasonable boundaries of academia, ensuring that no matter how tempting advancement is, human knowledge and leadership are put before that of the machine. We’re presented with a lot of completely new and unique issues here in our current technological landscape, and it’s my goal to ensure that the student body can navigate them as efficiently as possible.
Email: sj-druse@wiu.edu
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