Senior Ryan Todd holds several leadership posts on campus, but as a freshman, he never expected to become a Young Trustee finalist.
"I wasn't super involved my freshman year, but everything changed sophomore year," he said. "I wanted to see the University change for the better and I saw how different organizations could make those changes."
Since then, Todd has grown increasingly involved in campus life to help him fulfill his goal. The current Campus Council president and founder and chair of the Student Alumni Advisory Board has also served as assistant market director for Broadway at Duke for the Duke University Union, vice president of Hoof 'n' Horn and a public relations member of Black Student Alliance.
Todd said his experience on Campus Council has best qualified him for the role of Young Trustee. "Playing the devil's advocate" and communicating other students' views to the council has helped him better understand the student body's needs-a skill he considers an asset for the position.
Through his various leadership roles, Todd said he has also consistently worked with administrators to improve Duke dynamics.
If selected as the Young Trustee, Todd said he will focus on fostering professor-student relations.
"It's important to retain and reward professors that are good within their field and with their research," he said. "But I would like to put more emphasis on the 'professors in the classroom'-the ones that provide students with mentorship."
Todd said he also hopes to encourage discussion about changes to Central Campus, gender issues, the Financial Aid Initiative and improvements to campus security.
Campus Council Vice President Kevin Thompson, a junior, said Todd exhibits several qualities of a good Young Trustee.
"I would describe Ryan as an articulate communicator, one who is knowledgeable about a diverse array of student affairs and a dedicated leader who has found innovative ways to improve our community," he said.
Joe Gonzalez, associate dean for residential life and housing services and advisor to Campus Council, has worked closely with Todd for two years. Gonzalez praised Todd's ability to build strong relationships, noting his success in strengthening ties between Campus Council and the quad councils.
"He's very good at getting all perspectives considered during discussion," Gonzalez said.
Todd said he enjoys talking to people and pursuing opportunities to enact change.
"I've always had a passion for Duke-I want to give back to the University and being Young Trustee is how I can have the largest impact," Todd said.
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