The newest ASUI Vice President Kelsy Briggs was sworn into her position Wednesday evening, shortly after the first meeting of the ASUI Senate for the semester.
Briggs was voted in by a unanimous vote in the senate.
“I think the mind (Briggs) brings to the table, the organizational skills she brings to the table will be nothing but good for our organization and the undergrad students of the University of Idaho,” said Interim Director of Student Involvement Shawn O’Neal.
Briggs previously served on the Communications Board of ASUI for two years in a couple capacities including Community Relations Coordinator and Vice Chair of the board.
Taylor Nadauld | Argonaut
Kelsy Briggs was unanimously voted in as the new ASUI vice president under ASUI President Cruz Botello Wednesday evening.
ASUI President Cruz Botello said he’s heard some criticism concerning Briggs’ lack of legislative experience, but assured the senate that he took care in choosing her for the position.
“She has the organizational skills, she has the people skills, she has the drive to do everything that is expected of a vice president,” Botello said.
Briggs said she doesn’t think her lack of experience on the legislative branch will inhibit her.
“I think all it means is that I have to work a little harder, and I have no problem with that,” Briggs said.
Briggs received praise from her peers, including Senator James Howard, who said Briggs is more than qualified for the position.
“She’s extremely professional, and she definitely knows what she’s doing,” Howard said.
Briggs’ appointment comes amid the resignation of former ASUI President Austin Karstetter over the summer. Botello, the former ASUI vice president under Karstetter, took over the position, leaving the vice president’s position open.
ASUI currently has nine vacant positions, four of which are non-senate seats, as Botello informed the senate that evening. He encouraged members to share that information with fellow students.
Non-senate positions include two Communications Board members, a Funding Board member and a Vandal Entertainment Late-Night Programs Chair.
Botello said he wants students who will go above and beyond to fill in senate vacancies.
“I’d like to see somebody come into the ASUI office that has ideas outside of the box,” Botello said.
Senator Tanner Beymer warned his fellow senators of the extra work ASUI has to accomplish over the next couple weeks due to the vacancies, and encouraged them to step up to volunteer and help fill in when needed.
“A lot of us have put in a lot more hours than our contracts demand of us, and it’s a lot easier when everyone’s on board and on the same page,” Beymer said.
Taylor Nadauld can be reached at