Meet the New President, Vice President of Student Government

New Student Government leaders at The University of Texas at Dallas were elected with a platform to strengthen the organization’s commitment to student advocacy.

Incoming president Ryan Short and vice president Imaan Razak Macchiwalla of the Reimagine SG ticket said they aim to reignite students’ passion for UT Dallas and help combat feelings of disconnection brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. They also plan to communicate effectively about campus events and increase collaboration among student organizations.

Short and Razak succeed Sara Brennan, a finance and economics senior, and Rutendo Chando, a history sophomore, and will represent the student body for the 2021-2022 academic year.

The pair defeated a challenge from the VIBEZ ticket, solely represented by Vignesh Vasan, a computer science senior, after his running mate resigned from the race.

Q&A with New Student Government Leaders

Ryan Short, president

Major: political science, senior

What previous experience do you have? “Within Student Government (SG), I have been a member of the legislative affairs committee, working to register Comets to vote and help reduce barriers around voting. Additionally, I have served on SG’s governing documents review committee, helping to keep our governing documents inclusive and up to date.”

How else are you involved? “Outside of Student Government, I’m involved with UTD’s Texas Rising chapter — an organization focused on issue advocacy, organizing and training future leaders. Additionally, I am a member of and secretary for Chi Alpha Iota Diaternity, a gender-neutral, LGBTQ-affirming social Greek organization.”

Why did you run for office? “As a longtime member of Student Government, I know the personal impact SG can make in the lives of students if it wholly dedicates itself to our mission of serving the interests of the student body. I ran for SG president to strengthen that commitment; students deserve a Student Government that represents their interests and concerns at every opportunity.”

What are your ticket’s goals? “Our ticket has three areas of focus: reconnecting students to their UT Dallas community, diversity and equity initiatives, and COVID-19 response. Overall, we want to ensure that every Comet has a safe return to campus in the following semesters, and that everyone has the opportunities and resources to succeed despite the long-term impacts of the pandemic.”

What are your strategic goals? “Imaan and I plan to advocate for menstrual equity on campus and hope to find long-term solutions on this issue. Additionally, we will push for Student Government collaboration with campus departments and student organizations to help reacclimate students to UT Dallas, especially for those who have yet to experience an on-campus semester. Finally, we want Student Government to advocate for student accessibility measures and that those developed over the past year remain in place as we transition back to an in-person setting.”

What is your proudest accomplishment at UT Dallas? “My proudest accomplishment thus far has been personally registering hundreds of Comets to vote and seeing some of those same students cast a ballot on Election Day.”

What do you enjoy most about UT Dallas? “UT Dallas is a young and constantly expanding university. This allows students to make more of an impact on their college experience and have more of a say on the traditions and norms that will shape UTD’s future.”

What would you like to see improved? “Despite progress made in recent years, I believe that UT Dallas still has much room for improvement when it comes to serving underrepresented students. The circumstances we find ourselves in now allow us to rededicate ourselves to that commitment.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d offer a new Comet? “Find ways to get involved! Whether it’s attending workshops and seminars, connecting to a campus department, or joining a student organization, there are so many staff, faculty and fellow Comets who are passionate about helping you thrive during your time here.”

What are your ultimate career aspirations? “TBD [to be determined]. I am interested in public service and nonprofit work.”

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Imaan Razak Macchiwalla, vice president

Major: marketing, sophomore

What previous experience do you have? “Within Student Government, I was a member of the communications committee my first semester then became the committee chair my second semester. We have continuously worked to keep students engaged and aware of campus activities while in a virtual setting.”

How else are you involved? “Outside of Student Government, I am a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and am a current CPC [College Panhellenic Council] Ambassador. Additionally, I am involved with Deeds Not Words as part of the reproductive health committee and a previous member of the Title IX committee.”

Why did you run for office? “Student Government has a very important role in making sure students’ voices are heard. As a freshman who has yet to see life on campus, I saw how important it is that all corners of the school are represented. I ran for SG vice president to ensure that students feel heard and that everyone has the necessary resources to succeed.”

What are your strategic goals? “Ryan and I plan on pushing for continued support for students in need. This includes ensuring housing and food security and fighting for continued asynchronous course access. We also plan on supporting campus traditions and providing adequate orientations to those who have not yet been on campus.”

What is your proudest accomplishment at UT Dallas? “As someone who has a passion for and experience in volunteering to combat food insecurity, my proudest accomplishment was helping Student Government raise over $8,000 for Dallas-Fort Worth food pantries during the holiday season.”

What do you enjoy most about UT Dallas? “I love the culture of UT Dallas. It was great to come into a diverse school where there are people who look like me and can relate to my past. Additionally, with how hardworking and passionate students are, UTD creates an environment where it is easy to grow and feel supported.”

What would you like to see improved? “UT Dallas is still a young school with many possibilities. Even before COVID-19, it was evident that students felt disconnected from campus. As we transition back to in-person classes, I would like to take this opportunity to improve students’ connection and reaffirm the bond that Comets have.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to a new Comet? “Don’t underestimate yourself. UT Dallas has so many opportunities and ways to get involved so you can grow your personal strengths. The Comet community is beyond supportive — don’t be scared to reach out to others and ask for help.”

What are your ultimate career aspirations? “I want to pursue a job in social media marketing where I can continue to connect people by helping fulfill a need. I’m hoping my time with Student Government will give me adequate communication, leadership, creativity and time management skills needed to stand out and be successful in my field.”