Treasurer Candidate #2

Joshua Daugherty

"Communication. Education. Clarification."

Joshua's photos were captured by:

Andrew Harker / The Avion

Meet Your Treasurer Candidate Joshua!

Joshua Daugherty

Junior, BS Aeronautical Science

"Hello! My name is Joshua Daugherty and I’m from Dallas, Texas. I am a junior in the Aeronautical Science program, currently working on my commercial pilot certificate!

I am involved in two RSOs in which I hold the position of treasurer in one and secretary in the other. I have been on the Student Treasury since November 2022, so I have seen the development of the new bracket systems and more, throughout my time as a Treasury Board member.

I am seeking reelection because I enjoy seeing organizations thrive and expand through the student population. When it comes to work within the Treasury, I execute everything assigned to the best of my ability, whether it be form filling or typical meeting agendas. I believe the work that the Treasury can and does accomplish is very beneficial to many students, and I want to keep expanding the help we can give, whether that be increasing professional development or expanding budgets where possible."

What is your platform for this campaign? How does it stand out?

"My platform is commitment to consistent communication. Nearly all issues that are prevalent in the Treasury today stem from inconsistent communication or lack thereof.

I want to see every organization succeed, and I want every organization to have the ability to spend every dollar they receive from the Treasury Board, and the easiest way for that to happen is to have clear and consistent communication from both sides. An open path of communication both ways is the only solution to the problems we have been facing this term, and I am looking to pave the way for free and fluent communication between the Board and the organizations. I am also aware that many RSOs feel embarrassed exclaiming about the issues that they are facing, and this will lead to a negative impact on their organization's performance. If I am to be elected, I will make sure that all organizations feel safe asking about their issues, because it is still possible that others may be dealing with those same issues. This can be done with more consistent responses digitally, from myself and the Board as a whole. Also, I would encourage RSOs to keep asking about their issues that they are having, because others may be experiencing those same issues."
What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

"I have been on the Treasury Board since November 2022, and in my time as a Board member, I have been reelected, I have seen the development of our new funding policies from start to present, and I have helped countless students and organizations to the best my abilities, ensuring their best outcome of any situation.

Many students who I have helped can attest that I am always willing to sit down with them and talk over what issue they are dealing with. I also will have a schedule that is very accommodating, so I will always be in office when I am needed and when I am scheduled, and this is to make sure students who are leaders within their organizations will have ample opportunity to find me if they need to talk face-to-face about what they need from me as the SGA Treasurer.

I am the most qualified candidate for SGA Treasurer because I have the expertise needed to execute the job to its fullest extent, and I will also have more than enough time to execute all responsibilities whilst maintaining the highest quality of work possible."
As the SGA's Treasurer, you are responsible for managing and approving the budgets of organizations across campus. How will you ensure that money is distributed fairly and that organizations have what they need to operate?

"As the SGA Treasurer, my commitment goes beyond the simple financial evaluations. I recognize that fair distribution involves an in-depth understanding of an organization's challenges and unforeseen circumstances. While I intend to assess past performances and justifications for future expenditures, I also acknowledge the complexity of each situation. In cases where extenuating circumstances arise beyond an organization's control, I pledge to approach them with empathy and a keen understanding. It is my belief that punitive measures should not be disproportionately imposed when an RSO faces challenges beyond their control.

As Treasurer, I aim to foster a culture of support and understanding, ensuring that our guidelines are applied judiciously and with consideration for the unique circumstances each organization may encounter. In order to ensure that everyone’s unique situations are heard and understood, my office will maintain an open-door policy so that those in said situations can explain what they are going through, I will do my best to provide fair and adequate funding to guarantee an organization’s success despite their unfavorable situations."
How would you define risk management in relation to your position and how would you use this skill in your position if elected?

"Risk management is using your resources, whether it be your colleagues or policies, to mitigate any potential threats that can affect the operation of an organization. When it comes to the Student Treasury, risk management is identifying potential issues when it comes to RSO funding and funding of the SGA. Every semester, when we determine reimbursement caps for specific items, that is risk management because those are the items that are requested more so than normal, so we limit how much funding goes to those specific items overall. Another risk is when a budget deficit happens in a semester, creating a precedent of overspending in the budget. As the SGA Treasurer, I will continue the work of SGA Treasurers before and try to optimize the budget to the point of fair and adequate budget allocations while minimizing as much deficit as possible. Risk management is always being considered within the Student Treasury, the difficult part is being able to balance the budget amongst all sources of spending, and I believe we have done a great job with that."
What does the SGA mean to you?

"The SGA, for me, means being involved in making others' lives easier. I believe that being in the SGA is being trusted by the target audience to ensure that you are taking care of those who elected you and that you are trusted to do your job and do your job well. Being in SGA means going above and beyond for all students, regardless of the task. I want to remain in the SGA because I enjoy helping others in making their organizations grow, and I enjoy seeing organizations purchase meaningful and impactful items with their allocation so that they can increase their outreach and subsequently grow themselves and organizations around them. The SGA is filled with students who want to put in the work to better the quality of life for everyone on campus and I am no different. I intend to continue working with the intent that all students benefit, and their ideas or criticisms are heard by everyone."