Executive Branch

Hello everyone! My name is Madilyn Shaw, and I am happily serving my second term as the Undergraduate Student Body President for the 2026-27 academic year at the University of Akron! I am a fourth-year student with a Political Science major, with Pre-Law Philosophy and Sociology minors, and a Manual Communications certificate. Along with entering my fourth year of involvement in Undergraduate Student Government, you can also find me involved with UA Ambassadors, Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, Honors Civics Club, UA's Student Hearing Board, Pre-Law Society, and the American Sign Language Association. Within USG, I have also served as an Associate Justice, and have been on the Mental Health Task Force and the Ohio Student Government Summit Committee. I am extremely excited to be working alongside a very hard working group of members to help promote USG's platform for this year, All4UA, to advocate for the wants and needs of students at UA. If you see me around campus, please feel free to say hello or start a conversation with me; I would love to talk with you about any issues or recommendations you have about our campus! Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out using my email linked below. I am looking forward to serving the student body again this year, and I can't wait to see what amazing things we can accomplish together. Have a great year! Go Zips, go USG!

My name is Scott Spears and I am a third year political science major and a member of the Williams Honors College. I serve as the Vice President of the Undergraduate Student Body at The University of Akron, as well as a Student Representative in the Faculty Senate. Outside of USG, I serve as the Director of Recruitment for UA Ambassadors and as the Director of Campus Outreach for the AK-ROWDIES. I served as an Orientation and Team Leader in the Office of Orientation and First Year Programming. During the semester, I also work as a Student Assistant in the Office of Advancement.

Hi Zips! My name is Megan McCracken and I am the Chief of Staff for USG. I am currently a third year civil engineering major and business minor at UA. Previously in USG, I have held positions as the Vice Senate Chair, Senator for the College of Engineering and Polymer Science, and the Senate Clerk. Outside of USG, I hold positions as the President of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Director of New Member Experience for Alpha Delta Pi. I am also involved in the AK-Rowdies, Elevate Honors Service Club, the College of Engineering and Polymer Science Dean's Team, University Ambassadors, Gamma Sigma Alpha, Rho Lambda, Geo Challenge, and Zips Fan Council.

Hi Zips! I am Ali Winters, and I am a fourth-year Sport Analytics major with an Applied Statistics minor! This is my fourth year in USG, and I've previously been the First-Year Senator, Vice-Senate Chair, and Membership Development Coordinator. I love to be involved on campus, so you've probably seen me around with Alpha Delta Pi, Sport Analytics and Business Association, AK-Rowdies, Rho Lambda, FIJI Sweetheart, and the Orientation and First-Year Programming Staff. Additionally, I just started an internship in the University of Akron's Athletics as the Administration Intern. I am excited to start my final year of school and be here to help students again. Go Zips! Go USG!

My name is Sami, and I'm a third year Psychology major! While I'm the Membership Development Coordinator in USG, I also serve as the Vice President in the AK-ROWDIES, an RA on campus, and am also part of the Women's Club Soccer team. I am excited to work with everyone inside and outside of USG!

Hello! My name is Djordje Jovicic, and I'm serving as the Director of Finance for USG this year. I'm a fourth-year Business Data Analytics major and served as the Deputy Director of Finance last year. Outside of USG, I currently serve as the president of Phi Gamma Delta, and have served as the president of Honors Business Association and the Economics and Data Analytics Club. I have also been a part of the William Honors College Dean's Team, part of New Student Orientation, and worked in the EX[L] Center as a Data Collections Manager in my time at Akron. I'm looking forward to one more year being able to serve the undergraduate student body!

Hi Zips! My name is Nick Senko, and I am a Senior Mechanical Engineering major with a certificate in Professional Selling for Engineers. I have served in USG for the past two years as Deputy Director of Community Outreach. I am excited to get started as the new Director of Campus and Community Outreach! I am also involved in several other organizations on campus, including UA Ambassadors, Greek Life, and The AKRowdies. If you see me on campus or at any athletics event, please feel free to say hi! Go Zips!

Hi Zips! My name is Shantonu Banerjee, and I am the Deputy Director of Community Outreach for USG. I’m currently entering my fifth year, majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Applied Mathematics. This is my first year in USG, but I am also involved in several other areas of campus. I serve as the National Vice President and Chapter Vice President for Tau Beta Pi. In addition, I am a Goodyear Peer Mentor for the OARS team and a marketing member of Engineering Student Council. I also conduct research for Dr. Song in the Interventional Robotics Laboratory. Previously, I have served as a mathematics tutor-mentor for OARS and as a Zips Engineering for Success mentor. I am extremely excited for an amazing year of serving the Undergraduate Student Government. Go Zips!

Hi Zips! My name is Sierra Dewald and I am the Deputy Director of Campus Outreach for USG. I’m a senior at UA studying civil engineering, with minors in Applied Mathematics and Business Essentials for Engineers. I have held a variety of co-op and internship positions and currently work part-time for Rubber City Engineering & Environmental. Around campus, I serve as President of the Society of Women Engineers, Vice President of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Philanthropy & Service Director for Phi Sigma Rho STEM Sorority, and a National Science Foundation S-STEM Peer Mentor. I am also an active member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, Engineering Student Council, and Engineers for a Sustainable World. Previously, I have served as Secretary of the Society of Women Engineers, Outreach Coordinator for Engineering Student Council, a CEPS Co-op & Placement Office Student Assistant, a member of Concrete Canoe Design Team, and a New Roo Weekend Leader. I look forward to new experiences in USG this year!

Hi Zips! My name is Hayley Cagarli and I am a fourth year double majoring in dance and exercise science with a minor in sports medicine. Fun fact, I am from New Jersey and found out about UA from a pamphlet in the mail! I am a part of a variety of organizations including The Panhellenic Council, Alpha Delta Pi, Terpsichore Dance Club, and Exercise Science Club. Along with this I am a part of the Greek academic honorary societies Rho Lambda, Order of Omega, and Gamma Sigma Alpha. This is my first time being a part of USG and I am excited to work with everyone a part of it! Being involed on campus has been one of my favorite parts of my college experience and I am looking foward to another great year! Go Zips, Go USG!

My name is Hayden Myers. I am a Sport Coaching major and am the Student Athlete Liaison for USG. I am also a board member for the AK Rowdies. I work at the rec and at sporting events on campus. I am a member of the club baseball team and am extremely passionate about baseball and sports as a whole.

Hey Zips! My name is Jessica Greene and I am a fourth-year Psychology (Industrial-Organizational concentrated) major with a minor in Forensic Psychology! I currently serve as the Director of Communications and have had the privilege of participating in Undergraduate Student Government for the past three years— previously, I have served as the Health & Safety Officer (25-26) and as one of the Project Managers (24-25)!

Apart from USG, I am currently a research assistant for the Psychology department across three separate labs, hold membership in the Collegiate Mental Health Advisory of Ohio through NEOMED, represent as a BCAS Ambassador, work as a student assistant for the Dean of Students Office, ZipAssist, and the Office of Academic Retention and Support, and lastly but certainly not least, I am currently in the process of completing a research fellowship with the American Psychological Association!

I am very excited to represent Undergraduate Student Government for a third year- don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, comments, ideas, or simply want to connect. Go Zips and Go USG!

Hey Zips! My name is Riley Viator! I am a third year getting dual degrees in History and Criminal Intelligence Analysis. I am currently one of two Directors of Project Coordination and I have previously served in USG as a Project Coordinator. Outside of USG I am president of the Hiking and Outdoors Club and Environmental Action, and I also participate in GIVE, Elevate, Phi Alpha Theta, and various other organizations on campus. I also work in the Engineering Co-Op and Placement Office as a student assistant. Outside of campus (when I can find the time!) I like to go to concerts, cook, and cross-stitch. I am excited to serve the student body again this year! Go Zips!

Hi Zips! My name is Carson Hajec, and I am a third year majoring in Criminal Intelligence Analysis and Political Science National Security and Intelligence. This is my first year serving on USG, and I am excited to serve as one of two Directors of Project Coordination! Outside of USG, I am involved in the Criminal Justice Association, National Residence Hall Honorary, and Greek Life. I am also serving as the Service & Outreach Chair for the Zips Activities Board! I am very excited to serve the student body this year- Go Zips!

Hi everyone! My name is Ciel Wise, and I’m a second‑year Marketing and Sport Business major. I’m so excited to be serving as a Project Coordinator this year, after previously working in USG as a Social Media Strategist. Outside of USG, I stay involved across campus through roles such as serving as the Asian Students in Akron President, Delta Sigma Pi Senior Vice President, Sport Analytic and Business Association Social Media Board, College of Business First Year Student Success Leader, UA Ambassador, COB Dean’s Team member, ZTV participant, Sigma Lambda member, Williams Honors College Dean’s Team member, Honors Advisory Council participant, and as a member of the Leadership Designation Program. Outside of organizations, I work as a Student Assistant in the Institute for Professional and Leadership Development on campus and serve as an NJM Dawg House Ambassador for the Cleveland Browns. I love connecting with other students, and finding new ways to make campus feel like home! GO ZIPS!

My name is Hadley Bialek and I am a 3rd year Political Science major! I am very excited to be working in USG this school year as a project coordinator. I am involved in many different other organizations on campus like being a LEAP Mentor for the Emerging Leaders community and being the President of IGNITE.

Hi! My name is Ruth Adams and I'm a third year Majoring in Aerospace System Engineering with a Minor in Business Essentials for Engineers. My new role in USG is as Project Coordinator. In addition to USG, I stay active on campus through the Hiking and Outdoors Club, tutoring, and as a Zips Engineered For Success Mentor. I look forward to advocating for the student body and for the semester to come, Go Zips!

My name is Rawan Alhamad. I’m majoring in Civil Engineering while pursuing minors in Arabic Language and Culture and Comparative Politics. This is my first year involved with Undergraduate Student Government (USG), and I’m honored to serve as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity and look forward to an amazing year of making a positive impact, building connections, and serving our student body. I’m so grateful to be part of USG and can’t wait for all that we’ll accomplish together!

Go Zips, Go USG!