With ASB elections being held next Monday, March 19, now is the time to get to know the students running for office. Four candidates — Tamara Evans, Nate Edwards, Elijah Olson and Tyler Shockley — are competing to be next year’s ASB Ministries leader, while Jessica Baughman is running unopposed for Media Arts Coordinator. Stay tuned for more candidate profiles throughout the week. Also, the candidates will be available from 8-10 p.m. on Thursday, March 15 in the coffee shop to mingle and talk with students.
Jessica Baughman: Media Arts Coordinator
Hailing from Kapolei, Hawaii, Jessica is a 21-year-old junior majoring in business marketing and management. Her first year as Media Arts Coordinator in ASB demonstrated her unique ability to capture the spirit of Corban events through photos and videos, the most recent of which was the viral hit Sadie Hawkins video. With her high-tech equipment Baughman promises to “never stop learning and to always approach a new project differently and as an art piece.” Baughman says something most people do not know about her is that she is plagued by “weird, daily, not-so-normal hiccups.” But hiccups have not kept her from making best friends out of President Carrie Bernard and Vice President Kevin Coriano. “The are the perfect blend of awkward, sweet, and bomb.com,” said Baughman.
Tamara Evans: Ministries
“I love how Corban feels like the safest place in the world, despite its location between two prisons,” said 18-year-old freshman Tamara Evans. Originally from Bend, Ore., Evans has captivated the student body with her voice, winning second place at Battle of the Bands and performing at Open Mic nights. Her heart for singing began at a young age, and even culminated when she tried out for American Idol last summer. Jon Foreman, of the band Switchfoot, has been a major influence in Evans’ life. She describes him as a “phenomenal songwriter, musician, and lyricist.” Evans, if elected, hopes to use her position to transform students for the better. “My main goals would be to break down facades, to make every student feel comfortable, and to have a community where people can be real and not worry about who’s going to judge them,” said Evans.
Nate Edwards: Ministries
Nate Edwards, a 19-year-old junior from Eugene, Ore., is at Corban so often that most people don’t know he actually lives off-campus. “My favorite thing about Corban is the wonderful people,” said Edwards. “Each and every person adds to the blessing of Corban.” Edwards, who is double-majoring in Health Science and Psychology, hopes to influence Corban in a positive way. If he is elected, he wants to use his church connection to get bands like Rootdown, Caleb & Sol, and Shawn McDonald to perform here. Additionally he plans to organize worship nights, prayer sessions, and service opportunities. “While in the leadership position, I will do my best to unify the Corban student body with love, kindness, and selfless service in everything I do” said Edwards.
Elijah Olson: Ministries
Elijah Olson of Kent, Wash., gave up politics for Lent this year. That’s right–no internet surfing or reading about primaries and presidential candidates for him. The 20-year-old sophomore’s passion for politics and ministry made running for ASB a no-brainer, as he wants to improve Corban’s spiritual life. An elementary education major, Olson loves being involved in the dorm life and being apart of an environment of growth. “We hang out, have fun, pray together, and share our joys and struggles,” said Olson. “There is no other experience like it.” Olson sees the potential Corban has to glorify Christ, and his desire is to help ignite a passion for spiritual growth on-campus. The lack of attendance at chapel, worship nights and community service makes him think students are losing interest and enthusiasm for these things. “I want to see a university that boldly proclaims the hope and joy we have in the Supremacy of Christ: in chapel, in daily lives, and across the world,” said Olson. “That is something to get excited about!”
Tyler Shockley: Ministries
Tyler Shockley doesn’t like to brag, but along with being a double major in criminal justice and history, people say he has a great announcer’s voice. The 19-year-old freshman from Richland, Wash., values the close-knit Christian community at Corban. “It’s great to be able to talk to anyone about their faith and how God is working in the life,” said Shockley. His ASB platform is “the power of prayer.” As prayer has the power to change individuals, Shockley would like to see it change the Corban community as well. “I’d like to see more corporate prayer as well as a better understanding of what prayer looks like and what it means to our relationship with Christ,” said Shockley. “I’d like to see a community that is in constant communication with God.” Professor John Scott has had an impact on Shockley’s life so far at Corban, as Shockley admires him being a great teacher who applies history to students’ own lives, and deeply cares about the community and the world.