“Fraternity and sorority life offers the best opportunities for an undergraduate man to find a sense of community and become a leader on campus. We need to work together to show the value we bring”.
– Sam Schroeder
Sam Schroeder, a junior majoring in Political Science at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, has taken on a pivotal role in shaping the future of his campus. As the current Student Body President and Student Regent, Sam’s leadership journey is a testament to his dedication to advocacy, service, and fostering a sense of community—values that have been cultivated through his active involvement in fraternity and sorority life and campus governance.
A Leader in the Making
From the moment Sam stepped onto campus, his passion for leadership was evident. His journey began as a Freshman Senator in the Student Government Association (SGA), where he quickly made his mark by ascending to the roles of Speaker of the Senate and later, Executive Vice President of the Interfraternity Council (IFC). These roles, coupled with his involvement in the NU Student Alliance, provided Sam with a solid foundation in governance and advocacy.
Reflecting on his early involvement, Sam said, “I love advocacy and problem-solving, as well as speaking with students. These experiences have shaped who I am and fueled my desire to make a difference on campus.”
Sam’s commitment to leadership extends beyond titles and positions. His experience lobbying on Capitol Hill for the University of Nebraska at Kearney underscores his dedication to representing his peers and ensuring that student voices are heard at the highest levels of government and policy making.
Vision for the Student Body
As Student Body President, Sam is determined to make a lasting impact on his campus community. His primary goal is to reinvest student government funds back into the student body, ensuring that students receive the full value of their student fees. He plans to direct these funds toward initiatives that will enhance campus life, including increased support for student organizations, improvements to the campus food pantry to address food insecurity, and upgrades to the recreation center to promote student health.
Sam emphasized, “Students pay student fees and should receive the full value of the dollars that they spend. It’s about making meaningful investments that directly benefit the student body.”
In addition, Sam is focused on addressing the unique needs of international students by partnering with organizations to offer a transit service that will make it easier for them to access off-campus resources. He is also passionate about mental health and plans to introduce resources for student organizations to implement a “mental health chair,” ensuring that mental wellness is prioritized across campus.
“Under my administration, mental health will not be overlooked. We’re creating a culture of support and well-being,” Sam explained.
Championing Fraternity and Sorority Life
Sam’s leadership journey has been deeply influenced by his involvement in Pi Kappa Alpha and fraternity and sorority life as a whole. Serving as Chapter President of Pi Kappa Alpha, he has firsthand experience with the challenges and rewards of fraternity life. This perspective has informed his goals for his fraternity and the broader Greek community.
One of the key issues Sam is addressing is the recruitment and retention of fraternity and sorority members. Recognizing the national trend of declining membership, he is working with his chapter to implement new practices that set them apart, while also collaborating with other Greek organizations to challenge the stigma surrounding fraternity and sorority life.
“Fraternity and sorority life offers the best opportunities for an undergraduate man to find a sense of community and become a leader on campus. We need to work together to show the value we bring,” Sam stated.
Sam believes that fraternity and sorority life offers unparalleled opportunities for leadership, service, and personal growth. His experience in fraternity and sorority life not only helped him build a supportive network but also provided him with the confidence to run for Student Body President and Student Regent. He emphasizes that fraternity and sorority life is about more than just social activities—it’s about being part of something bigger and contributing to a legacy of leadership and service.
“Being a Greek means being part of something much bigger than yourself. It’s about contributing to an institution that has helped young men across the nation and world for years,” he shared.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Sam has ambitious plans. He intends to attend law school and ultimately practice law in rural Nebraska, where he hopes to continue his advocacy work on behalf of his community.
Sam’s journey is a powerful example of how fraternity and sorority life and campus involvement can shape a student’s leadership trajectory. His vision for a more engaged, supportive, and inclusive campus community reflects his commitment to serving all students, both Greek and non-Greek, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
In Sam Schroeder, the University of Nebraska at Kearney has found not only a dedicated Student Body President and Student Regent but also a passionate advocate for the value of leadership, service, and community—a true embodiment of what it means to be a leader both on campus and beyond.
