University of Iowa President Sally Mason has worked with a lot of student government leaders. But she says there’s something special about Michael Appel and Nic Pottebaum, who complete their respective student government presidencies this month.
One Appel-Pottebaum initiative: a series of student forums with UI President Sally Mason. Read more.
“This pair works so well together,” she says. “They’ve been great advocates for the university, developing new ideas to share what we’re doing.”
The two leaders got to know each other during their early years in student government. When they moved into the top offices, their personal connection helped unite UI Student Government (UISG) and the Executive Council of Graduate and Professional Students (ECGPS).
“It was a unique set of circumstances and a chance to turn some things around,” says ECGPS President Appel, who graduates from the College of Law this month.
He and outgoing UISG President Pottebaum—who completes his bachelor’s in political science and economic policy in May—also shared an interest in state outreach.
Appel proposed Universities for a Better Iowa, an effort to stress the value of the state’s three public institutions, to the Iowa Board of Regents. He also launched a series of videos that showcase contributions of graduate and professional students and programs.
Pottebaum mapped out a tour of legislative districts, connecting with policymakers across Iowa. Both he and Appel took on active roles with the Hawkeye Caucus, the university's grassroots advocacy program.
“Ultimately, we wanted to be good stewards and representatives for students,” Pottebaum says. “Hopefully, that work has a lasting impact.”