Lia Schmeck and Jaymie Poujade have been elected President and Vice President of the Linn-Benton Community College Student Leadership Council following this year's student government elections.
A total of 409 students cast ballots in the election. Both Schmeck and Poujade received 45% of the vote, earning 183 votes each in their respective races.
The newly elected leaders will spend the coming weeks assembling their council team and participating in training before officially assuming their roles at the end of week five of spring term.
The Student Leadership Council serves as the governing body of the Associated Students of LBCC, representing all students enrolled in credit courses and advocating for student needs through campus initiatives, events, and school-wide feedback.
Election data highlighted several areas of student interest and concern that may guide the council’s work in the coming year. According to results shared after the election, about 20% of students reported using Roadrunner Resources, while 13% said they want the SLC to prioritize addressing tuition increases.
Both Schmeck and Poujade said student feedback gathered during campaigning will play a central role in shaping their leadership.
“I hope students feel genuinely heard, supported and connected to their student government,” Poujade said. “If we stay focused on what improves student life, we can align our priorities and move forward together.”
Pojade said plans to approach differing viewpoints within the council as strengths rather than obstacles, emphasizing transparency and collaboration among council members.
“Everyone comes into student government with their own experiences and priorities,” she said. “That diversity is what makes our leadership more effective.”
Schmeck echoed the importance of communication when working with leaders who may hold different priorities.
“Often we as student leaders have a shared goal, which is serving the students,” Schmeck said. “Sometimes the way we want to get there varies, and in that moment clear communication is important.”
Both leaders said conversations with students during the election were among the most impactful parts of the campaign.
Poujade said she was surprised by how openly students shared personal experiences.
“Hearing how deeply people care about issues like affordability, food security, and mental health reminded me why this work matters,” she said.
Schmeck said the supportive atmosphere among candidates stood out throughout the election process.
“It was set in stone pretty early on that no matter the results, the team was going to be left in good hands with any elected president,” she said, noting collaborations with fellow candidates Rebecca Thomas and Jaxon Lee.
Looking ahead, Schmeck said she hopes students feel represented on issues frequently raised during the election, including tuition increases, textbook costs and access to resources.
“I want students to walk away knowing they are being represented and supported with the resources they need to be successful,” she said.
Both leaders emphasized accountability as a central responsibility of student government.
“Representing my peers means carrying their trust with care,” Poujade said. “It means being willing to have hard conversations and stand up for students even when it’s inconvenient.”
Schmeck added that council members must remember they are stewards of student fee dollars that fund campus events and services.
“It’s your money, as students, who pays for the events we put on and the services we provide,” she said. “We are here to serve the students.”
Poujade said her motivation to serve comes from witnessing firsthand the challenges students face.
“Leadership should make people’s lives better,” she said. “Serving in student government gives me the opportunity to turn those observations into action.”
Schmeck said her passion for connection and advocacy led her to pursue the presidency after previously serving as Chieftain of Events.
“I’m excited to lead our team to complete objectives that everyone is passionate about,” she said. “We care about our students.”
Students can expect several SLC-sponsored events during the remainder of the winter term. The Karaoke Kaleidoscope, is scheduled for March 4 from noon to 2 p.m.
More information about this events:
While the newly elected leaders prepare for their transition into office, both said their focus remains on building collaboration and strengthening student engagement across campus.
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