Ellie Mace - SU President 2023/24
Email: EMace@harper-adams.ac.uk
Teams: Ellie Mace (SU President)
The Role of President:
- Representing students and ensuring the student's voice is effectively heard.
- Contributing to the development of the Union strategy.
- Upholding the SU democratic system and ensuring student demographics and interests are recognised and reflected.
- Generating and overseeing the SU events programme and commercial activity.
- Overseeing and supporting Clubs and Societies.
- Chairs the Trustee Board and SU Executive Committee as well as sitting on a number of other university committees.
- Member of the University Board of Governors.
About Ellie:
I have recently finished reading a Bachelors of Science degree in Veterinary Nursing with Honours (2023). Whilst studying, I played in the BUCS Netball League and represented students during the Veterinary Nursing Course Committee Meetings throughout my final year. I became a member of HASU Board of Trustees in December 2022 as a Student Trustee and so now look forward to stepping into the Chair of Trustees role as part of being President of HASU.
Outside of Harper my interests lay in farm and equine health, outdoor activities, food, music, sustainable living and travelling. My most recent adventures have taken me globally across Morocco, Greece, Denmark and Canada with closer to home adventures ranging from Aviemore to Yr Wyddfa to Sussex.
Why did I run?
I ran for President because I believe that University is more than the piece of paper at the end of it all. The people you meet, the relationships you develop, the skills you gain and the experiences you have throughout your time at University are as important as the list of items required to gain your qualifications. I want to be a part of the team that is in a position of representation and provision for you to achieve this - every student should have the same opportunities to engage with student life. I love Harper's community and hope to pick up the reins of my predecessor on key campaigns such as Back British Agriculture, Mental Health and Women's Health.
Why I love Harper:
Harper is my home away from home; our community is welcoming and small enough so that everyone knows everyone. Despite this, the students and staff at Harper are extremely innovative and forward thinking - it's incredible to be amongst leaders of the future. It is great to know that our lecturers and academics are able to get to know us personally and always have students best interests at heart. Also, whilst some may think our rural location hinders university student experience, I think it highlights our rural values as students and brings us closer as a community. The SU events are finally something I love... I never pass up the opportunity to attend the major events because they're like no other experience... also, I love a boogie!!
Advice to new students:
My biggest piece of advice to new students would be to get involved - this could be anything from taking part in a Club or Society (or starting a new one) to signing up to farm sessions, from working in HASU/HAU student roles to joining the gym. Academically, getting involved looks like active and proactive engagement in your studies, becoming an Educational Champion to champion your cohorts' views at course committee meetings or engaging with academic services through the University. I'm a huge believer of what you put in, you get out; I think university is about making friends and memories for life, something that is pretty hard to do if you don't get involved.
Talk to me about…
Here at HASU we operate an open door policy, meaning that even if the door is physically closed, we always want to hear from students about the good, the bad and the ugly. My main priority as your SU President is to ensure we offer a safe, diverse, inclusive and fun environment where all students feel they are able to express themselves freely. If you are struggling at any point, remember there is always someone around to help - please don't feel alone, we're always 'ere to lend an ear!
Get keen for one hell of a year! Bye darlings!