Utah Tech University welcomes a new Utah Tech Student Association president for the spring 2026 semester.
Shellsea Ramirez, a senior individualized studies major from St. George, is the new student body president. Shellsea’s duties are to oversee each branch of student government. As president, Shellsea also works with administration to be an outlet for student perspectives.
For her presidency, Shellsea hopes to connect with students and advocate for their voices to be heard.
“I know what my thoughts as a student would be or my peers’ thoughts,” Shellsea said. “But I really want to dive into as many perspectives as possible.”
During this winter break, the previous UTSA president, Andy Hunter, stepped down. Since Shellsea was already in a student-elected position, she was the one who took the open role.
Shellsea said it wasn’t something she would have considered two years ago when she first started, but she’s grown to love UTSA. Now she’s grateful for the opportunity to step up as student body president.
Shellsea’s journey to UTSA president started two years ago when she was vice president of clubs. It’s one of the three elected positions, which includes the role of student body president and the vice president of academics.
Shellsea ran for this role because she knew what it was like to run and be in a club, and she wanted to improve what she could. After being in this position, she wanted to get more involved with campus life.
“Utah Tech was my home,” Shellsea said. “In one way or another, when you feel like the connection towards campus, you end up doing better in classes, and also your journey just becomes a whole lot more fun than it would have otherwise.”
Shellsea credits UTSA with having the shared goal of giving students the best experience at Utah Tech, which brings them together as a team.
“These are my people,” Shellsea said. “We work together so hard to make sure that we have a lot of opportunities for students.”
Students can expect Shellsea to be a person who will hear them and listen to other students, but also take action when it’s needed.
Reese Wiley, a freshman nursing major from St. George, thinks a student body president should be someone who listens and communicates well with students. Wiley also expects a president to advocate for needed change and follow through on promises.
Wiley would like to see more opportunities for students on campus to be involved, and quicker responses to students’ concerns.
Kenadee Mullins, a senior media studies major from Herriman, is in her final semester of college.
“I think the most important thing is continuing to be advocates for the students in each program and representing a good atmosphere for everyone to feel welcome,” she said.
Mullins said she hopes a student body president can build a community on campus for students who aren’t as involved.
