Student government president enjoys connecting with SCSU community 

Shriyans Pradhan is not only president of St. Cloud State University’s Student Government Association, but a productive member of the SCSU community and a perfect representation of what it means to be a Husky.

He came to SCSU in 2021 from Nepal. When choosing a college, Pradhan was faced with many options. He applied to colleges in Kentucky, Texas and New York, among others. However, during the long process every student faces when making this decision, two things about SCSU stood out to him.

His aunt and uncle, who are SCSU alumni, were a huge factor in Pradhan’s decision. They always encouraged him to keep SCSU in mind and advocated for the business program. Before he committed, Pradhan reached out to the department head of marketing to help make that final decision. He was amazed that the faculty were very welcoming before he was officially admitted, and that gave him a sense of belonging.

During the beginning of his college career, he majored in marketing. However, it later changed. When choosing his major, Pradhan knew he would choose a business major as he was always inspired by the work his father did in the business field. Pradhan landed on information studies.

“You have business and you also have technology,” he said. “What more could you need?”

Pradhan is involved all over campus and has been since his first year at SCSU.

“During my four years, I have explored a lot,” he said. “But I have always been a part of student government. That’s something I was always passionate about.”

Outside of student government, Pradhan has been involved in Multicultural Student Services, the Center for International Studies, Nepalese Students Association and the Information Systems Club. During his time at SCSU, he was able to bring back a club that had been closed for three years. This club had deep history for Nepali students, and would help Nepal International in setting up events at SCSU to give back to needed organizations like the Red Cross.

Pradhan is dedicated to helping his community and the people around him. Making sure student voices are being heard accurately and there is good communication between students is one of his top priorities.

“I’ve always been an advocate for the students,” he said. “Knowing their stories and seeing what I can do for them is a huge motivator for me to continue the work I’m doing, as well as getting to know faculty and the work that they are doing”.

Pradhan was previously the student vice president for two years. When stepping into the role of student president, he had a vision.

The SGA is dedicated to working through challenges higher education is facing amidst an evolving industry heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The student association is collaborating with different departments on campus to do so.

“I am heavily focused on being able to provide those services,” he said. “I want to still be there for students, and make sure that enrollment and retention rates go up.”

Along with enrollment, Pradhan is heavily focused on being accessible for students. When students need to reach out to the student government, it isn’t a hassle figuring out who to contact or how.

In the three and a half years Pradhan has been at SCSU, he has always appreciated the community that surrounds the university. He explained that SCSU represents this sense of belonging. In and out of Student Government, Pradhan is devoted to the community.

“If people need me, I’ll be there,” he said.