Portrait #15  (6-2004)                                    
Name: Matthew Collier
Age: 20
School: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Phone: 386-226-6045
E-mail: sgapres@erau.edu
Favorite book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Hobbies: Flying, lifting weights, running

Previous roles in Student Government:
• Representative
• President (two terms)

Major Campaign Accomplishments:
1) Decrease proposed tuition increase
     Collier successfully negotiated with the board of trustees to save ERAU students from a tuition hike.

2) Student Center renovation
     Working with university officials, Collier helped create plans for a major renovation of the university’s student center.

3) Fall graduation restoration
     After an on-line student poll revealed 90 percent of ERAU students were in favor of the traditional fall and spring graduation ceremonies the university had abolished, Collier helped change the policy, restoring the fall ceremony at ERAU.

Why did you become involved in SGA?
     “I became involved in Student Government to take a more active role in the campus community and to make a positive difference. I didn’t set out to become SGA President--it just happened as a result of hard work and dedication to the organization. I must say that, thus far, it has been the most rewarding experience of my college career.”

Who is your role model?
     “I have many role models that I look to for guidance and counsel. The most influential by far is my uncle. He has been there to encourage and support me throughout my life. He has led by example, and stresses that passion is a key ingredient to success—whether it is tangible or abstract. I’ve learned to never be discouraged by tribulation or trepidation, as it can only strengthen you as a person. In other words, in the face of defeat, look for the good, learn from the bad, and move onward.”

What is your administration’s biggest challenge?
     “With such a large and diverse organization, our biggest challenge has been building a team where everyone is accountable and accepts the responsibilities entrusted to them by the student body. We overcame this challenge by delegating authority with that responsibility and facilitating a positive atmosphere where serving is considered fun—not a burden. It’s important to inspire team members to develop personal drive, a drive which will carry them much further than incentives like tuition vouchers.”

What legacy will your administration leave?
     “It’s my hope that students, faculty, and the university community will remember my administration as one in which the entire SGA coalesced as a team working tirelessly towards a common vision embraced by all. Last year, with this confluence of ideas and contributions, we raised the bar in terms of what students expect from their elected leadership. Next year, we’ll continue with the goal of building a solid team and using last year as a platform from which we can launch our new initiatives and consummate the previous objectives.

How does student body view SGA?
     “Students are looking to SGA more and more for help on a variety of issues, whereas in the past, students were left confused as to where to go for help. Now more than ever, students appreciate the work that SGA does, and many take comfort in the fact that they have a solid leadership team getting results. To that end, I feel students have confidence that SGA is no longer the resume-building stop it has been for so many years in the past.

Describe your relationship with the administration.
     “Very healthy. Our executive board has made it a priority to establish not only working relationships with administrators, but personal relationships as well. Each member of SGA is assigned to a department, and is instructed to get to know that department head and work directly with that person on any and all issues relative to that area. We invite administrators to receptions and other functions to facilitate open communication and promote the growth of mutual alliances.

Describe your relationship with the media.
     “As a division, The Avion newspaper has a great relationship with SGA. We’ve developed and fostered this healthy relationship by encouraging The Avion to operate independently but to also embrace the fact that they’re an integral part of our organization. We make it a point to support The Avion but not to micromanage, censor, or control, as that would be counterproductive and against the accepted precept that a newspaper should have no government interference. The staff appreciates and reciprocates with support in times of need.”

What advice would you give to other SGA presidents?
     “Work hard, play hard. Have a passion for what you’re doing and realize that there’s no substitute for enthusiasm. Lead with confidence and courage, but also with compassion. Put people first.

What are your plans after graduation?
     “I’d like to attend one of the top five MBA graduate schools and then enter the workforce as an engineer, eventually moving into a managerial track.

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