Voice of the Hawkeyes
PHOTO: John Emigh
Emily Cross is the current vice president of Undergraduate Student Government. Next year, she will serve as the group's president.
Emily Cross believes in building community. That’s why she chose the University of Iowa—and became one of the most visible students on campus. As vice president of Undergraduate Student Government, the Oak Creek, Wisconsin, native has turned her passion for conversation and connection into a powerful platform for fellow Hawkeyes.
In her leadership role, she collaborates with student organizations and UI leaders to ensure her peers have access to the best possible resources, particularly in the areas of mental health advocacy, financial support, and nutritional assistance. Learn more about what this work means to her—and what she hopes to accomplish at Iowa.
Class of 2027
Marketing major
Vice President, Undergraduate Student Government
Why did you choose the University of Iowa?
I’m the oldest of three, and I knew I wanted to stay close to home but still be far enough away to build a new community of my own. Iowa offered the perfect balance. My dad played football at Iowa State, so ending up at Iowa wasn’t exactly the expected path.
From the start, I felt safe, welcomed, and truly embraced. “Iowa nice” is real. I never participated in student council in high school, so I’m proud of my first-year self for taking the leap to get involved here.
What led you to a leadership role in UI student government?
If you had told me during my first year that I would one day serve as student body vice president, I probably would have laughed. I never imagined myself in a leadership role, but my Undergraduate Student Government experience surrounded me with hardworking, driven people who inspired me to grow.
During my first year, I served as an at-large senator on the Student Life and External Relations Committee. The events we organized connected students with valuable resources and brought energy and joy to campus.
At the end of that year, I was appointed director of external relations, and this role really lit a spark for me. I hosted more than 50 events, raised $1,500, and collaborated with numerous campus partners. Most importantly, I connected with students from many different backgrounds and learned from their experiences.
That motivated me to run for student body vice president and continue working to ensure every student has access to the resources they need to thrive at Iowa.
What have you learned about yourself through this leadership experience?
I’ve learned that change is both inevitable and necessary. Rather than resisting it, I’ve come to see change as an opportunity to grow and adapt. Throughout this experience, I’ve also learned the importance of leaning on the people around me. Mentors, peers, and friends have grounded me.
I’ve also realized that you can’t please everyone, no matter how hard you try. What you can do is listen carefully, act thoughtfully, and treat people with respect. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned it’s okay to say “no.” Setting boundaries isn’t a weakness—it’s an important part of maintaining balance and becoming the person you want to be.
Can you share a project or initiative you’ve spearheaded? What impact did it have?
Most recently, I worked with the University of Iowa Center for Advancement on a GOLDRush campaign that raised funds for a new student scholarship. The campaign, Project Together We Thrive, wrapped up in March 2026 and raised $2,250, which will be split into two $1,125 awards. We received more than 400 applications!
As vice president, I also co-chair the USG Alumni Board, and I’m working closely with graduates to support this effort. With housing and living costs continuing to rise, creating additional scholarship opportunities is one way to give back to the students who make this campus community so strong.
What impact do you hope to leave on the University of Iowa community by the time you graduate?
I hope students see me as a person who genuinely cares—someone who shows up, listens, and advocates with honesty and compassion. I want to be a leader whom students feel comfortable approaching, and I want them to trust me to elevate their concerns and champion their ideas.
Serving as vice president has been one of the greatest honors of my life. It has given me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with campus partners and student organizations, travel on behalf of our community, and learn from the diverse experiences of the students I represent. Each conversation and challenge has strengthened my commitment to serving the university with integrity and heart.
What advice would you give other Iowa students who want to get involved and give back?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. College can feel daunting, but you’re not alone. You’re learning who you are while working toward your degree, and that’s a big, brave thing. Surround yourself with people who share your goals and values. With so many students and communities on campus, there truly is a place for everyone. Each step you take will help you find your people and shape your path.
