She grew up in the town of Ainsworth, Nebraska, surrounded by a loving agricultural community and the deep support of husker football. Little did she know as a young girl that she would become the ASUN (Association of Students of the University of Nebraska) ASUN student body president of her beloved school the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Libby Wilkins will now represent the entire student body in her term as student body president and has some big goals she wants to achieve. It has been 10 years since there has been a student body president from East Campus.
“It is really unique to have someone as a student body president from CASNR because I have a broader view of what Nebraska looks like,” Wilkins said. “I have been really blessed to have interactions with large donors and business professionals, while also knowing what it's like to be a small town farmer.”
Wilkins is focused, as a key goal, on what will make the lives better for students every day. She has been tossing around ideas with her team to make the student experience better at tailgates. One example is using funding to make a student's experience better who may not be in sorority or fraternity life or just loves football. Another goal she has is to conduct an RSO leadership summit for ASUN. This would allow the main leaders on campus to share their concerns or ideas with the leadership team. Wilkins knows by investing more in campus leaders there will be an overall benefit for students. She also plans to have a retreat for all elected officials of ASUN to learn what good legislation is and how to write legislation to benefit the student body.
Wilkins has enjoyed her time as a student on East Campus and is currently an agricultural leadership major. Because of her experiences, friendships and classes, she felt empowered to represent students as a leader in ASUN Student Government. One of her favorite classes has been ALEC 202 taught by Lindsay Hastings, the Clifton Professor in Mentoring Research and research director for NHRI Leadership Mentoring. Wilkins took the class and loved it so much that she became a TA for the class as well. The class was all about leadership theories and how to put them into practice in your life. She has truly expanded upon her leadership skills, which has helped her in multiple situations during the campaigning process and student election.
Wilkins also shared the importance of getting involved by making sure you know your limits as a CASNR student.“ I would say get involved, but don't over commit,” she said.
“Finding the thing that closely aligns to your values and your purpose is absolutely critical, whether that's squirrel watching or block and bridle!”
Wilkins knows that many students from a smaller community were involved in everything; otherwise, the school would not have a football team or a band. But when you get to college with more students, you have the amazing opportunity to narrow in on what you are really passionate about. The main activities that Wilkins has found and committed to at UNL include the Chi Omega Sorority, the Newman Center and NHRI Leadership Mentoring.
