Vanguard University’s Student Government Association (SGA) has a new leader, and his journey to the presidency is as unique as his academic goals. Asher Russ ’26, the newly elected SGA President, didn’t initially plan to attend Vanguard—but a last-minute coin flip changed his course, leading him to what he now calls the best decision of his life.
Initially hesitant to attend the same school as his older sister, Russ applied to several universities and still hadn’t made a decision when deadline day came. Just hours before his time was up on May first, he flipped a coin and submitted his decision to attend Vanguard. “I really feel like that was God telling me, ‘This is it,’” he shared. Since then, he has embraced the community wholeheartedly, calling his time at Vanguard the most meaningful experience of his life.
Strengthening Community
What does Russ love most about Vanguard? The community. “I’ve had such an amazing experience here,” he explained. As SGA president, his goal is to ensure that every student at Vanguard enjoys the same transformative experience he has had. “I want every student to walk away from a Vanguard education enriched socially, spiritually, and academically,” Russ expressed in his presidential campaign speech.
But community starts with connection—a feature that, according to Russ, has been significantly lacking since students returned to campus after the COVID-19 pandemic. “There’s a social change that needs to happen,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where students feel encouraged and excited to participate in campus life.
“I want every student to walk away from a Vanguard education enriched socially, spiritually, and academically.”
To address this issue, his proposal includes expanding social spaces on campus, revamping the Waugh Student Center, and creating a centralized Instagram account to consolidate campus event details in one place. “It’s about making things more accessible and ensuring that students know what’s happening on campus,” he said.
Elevating Student Voices
Russ, a History and Political Science major, recognized that helping students feel heard is a major part of bringing the community together. According to Assistant Political Science Professor Eunice Kang, Ph.D., building connections through conversation is an innate part of his personality:
“[Asher] really stood out as a freshman in our American Democracy class, always asking thoughtful questions and contributing to discussions without dominating the conversation. Now, as a junior in our International Relations class, he continues to demonstrate the same engagement, but with a deeper knowledge and maturity in discussing a range of topics in a civil and thoughtful way,” she said.
To foster better communication between SGA and the student body, Russ plans to expand SGA forums and make them more accessible, ensuring students have multiple platforms to express their concerns. He also intends to build a diverse presidential cabinet representing various student experiences—including athletes, commuters, and different cultural backgrounds—to provide a well-rounded perspective on student needs. “Family decisions should be made together, so I want to make sure you’re all involved,” he said in his campaign speech.
Inspired by Leadership and Faith
Russ credits much of his political inspiration to Kang. Originally considering a career in teaching, he quickly pivoted to political science upon arriving at Vanguard, discovering a passion for leadership and governance. His ultimate goal? To one day become the President of the United States.
“What makes Asher unique among his peers in terms of leadership potential and character is something that can’t be taught—he’s simply Asher!” shared Kang. “He inspires others to work together for the greater good of all people, all for the glory of God.”
Russ’ leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in his faith, and he hopes to reinforce Vanguard’s identity as a Christian institution. “I want to foster a culture where we are proud of who we are as a Christian school,” he said. “I want Vanguard to be a family—a place where we worship together, learn together, and grow together.”
Looking Ahead
As he embarks on his term as SGA President, Asher Russ is driven by a vision of unity, engagement, and faith-centered leadership. And at the heart of his ambition is a desire to amplify Vanguard as a Christ-centered institution. “I truly believe that God has called Vanguard for this moment to be place of refuge for His people, a place where students can grow, change, learn, and have the best time of their lives doing it,” he shared.
With his leadership, students can expect a year of increased communication, stronger community ties, and a renewed emphasis on what makes Vanguard extraordinary.
Asher is just a one example of the exceptional Vanguard students receiving a transformational, Christ-centered education because of the generosity of people like you.