Applied economics masters student joins WSU Board of Regents

A willingness to dive head-first into new opportunities kept Kassandra Vogel busy during her time as an undergraduate at Washington State University.

While earning bachelor's degrees in English and economics, Vogel found time for more than half a dozen outside commitments ranging from working at the WSU Creamery and as a Cougar Connector to writing and editing for The Daily Evergreen.

She's keeping up that relentless pace, pursuing a Master of Applied Economics degree while serving as the student regent on the WSU Board of Regents for the 2024-25 academic year.

"It's a really exciting opportunity and one that I take seriously because of the number of students that I'll be representing on the Board of Regents," Vogel said. "The student regent has their ear to the ground and so it's important for me to speak clearly to my fellow regents about issues that are important to students."

Originally from Vancouver, Vogel attending Running Start on her local WSU campus as a high schooler. Unsure of where she wanted to go to college, her mom convinced her to visit WSU Pullman. It ended up being the only school Vogel applied to.

"I was struck by how happy everyone was and how excited all of the students were," Vogel said. "I hadn't been to campus with the same feeling."

Vogel undertook her first semester remotely amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, she found a sense of community working as a reporter for The Daily Evergreen.

"It gave me an anchor in the community," Vogel said. "I had other students to talk to, I had virtual meeting with editors, I was interviewing people in Pullman for stories. It was a great experience during what could have otherwise been an isolated time."

In addition to the slew of jobs and internships she held as an undergrad, Vogel joined the Associated Students of Washington State University her senior year. While initially applying to serve as a student senator, her colleagues convinced her to serve as deputy director of campus sustainability. In that role, she worked with the Environmental Sustainability Alliance to host the largest Earth Day event in more than two decades, bringing "Mythbusters" Adam Savage to the Pullman campus.

"It's surreal to think back to the start of the year when I didn't even know the position existed," Vogel said.

Matt Shaw, associate director of student organizations and leadership, worked with Vogel during her time as an undergraduate and said he's excited about her selection as student regent.

"I have no doubt that she will put 100 percent into this position and serve as a great advocate for students," Shaw said. "I have been very impressed by and grateful for Kassandra's passion and work ethic in her duties with ASWSU over past year. Knowing that she will be bringing those qualities to the Board of Regents should make the whole system very optimistic for the year ahead."

As a member of the WSU Board of Regents, Vogel said she'll continue to work with university leaders to further the institution's sustainability initiatives. She's also committed to not only raising the issues of students, but to expanding awareness of the board and the role of student regent.

"When I was applying and told friends, one of their first questions was, "What is the student regent?" Vogel said. "That lack of understanding of what the Board of Regents does and who it's made up of is something I'd love to tackle during my time on the board."

Vogel's first meeting as student regent is scheduled for Sept. 20. For more information on the WSU Board of Regents, visit the organization's website.

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