Cameron Roark, a criminology and criminal justice major with a political science minor at UMSL, became Student Government president in June. (Photos by August Jennewein)
Growing up in Jefferson City, Mo., you might think Cameron Roark was destined for politics. But it wasn’t until a high school football injury sidelined his athletic career that his love for law led him to explore public affairs.
Roark, a criminology and criminal justice major with a political science minor and member of the Pierre Laclede Honors College, looked at several universities before deciding on the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
“When I came here for my campus visit, the people at the Welcome Center were great,” he said. “I knew they actually cared about me and I didn’t feel that at the other universities I visited.”
“I’m one of the first ones in my family to go to college and participating in the college search was really an experience, especially when you don’t know what you’re doing, but UMSL really helped me out,” he said.
Since coming to UMSL, he’s made sure to make the most of every moment. He’s maintained a full course load each semester, served as a University Ambassador and participated in the Executive Leadership Consortium, which helped him land an internship with Congressman Lacy Clay’s office.
“My internship was very helpful, I got to research proposed legislation, investigate complaints and interact with federal agencies,” Roark said. “It made me realize I really do have an interest in politics.”
He served a year on the Student Government Senate and was the senate chair.
“I really saw the potential of the president spot and what you could do,” Roark said. “I love UMSL because they have done so much for me, that I wanted to be in a position to repay UMSL and to make it an even better place for students.”
He took over as Student Government president in June and has enjoyed the opportunity to be the voice of the students.
“Student government is what you make of it,” Roark said. “If you put a lot into it, you’ll get a lot out of it.”
Along with SGA Vice President Deja Patrick and Comptroller Dominic Margherio, Roark said his platform has been about improving communication between students and administrators, increasing student participation at events and making the SGA process more efficient.
Roark is slated to graduate in May 2016 and hopes to attend law school. He plans to practice law for a while, but ultimately hopes to become an elected official.
