Meeting the Presidential Student Advisory Council

The story begins in April when I learned about a unique opportunity to become more involved in student governance at the University of Virginia. The current president, Jim Ryan, had sent out applications calling upon rising 3rd years to apply to serve on his presidential student advisory council made up of 15 upperclassmen and graduate students representing all corners of the University. Without much thought, I submitted my application and waited. 

Fast forward to the end of May. I’m sitting in terminal 8 of the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, waiting to board my flight to Greece for a study abroad journey of its own, when I receive an email directly from Jim Ryan himself. 

Hi Philippe,

I’m delighted to share that you’ve been selected for the President’s Student Advisory Council for the upcoming academic year.

Boarding, the flight crew must have thought I seemed a little too excited for a 10-hour journey in coach, but it was a momentous turning point for my time at the UVA. That excitement, however, would soon be paused as when I returned to the states later in June, unexpected leadership changes occurred at the University and Jim Ryan resigned.

For the next few months, I waited in limbo, unsure of whether this opportunity would continue and under whom. In due time, an Interim President was selected, and just as hope had begun waning, our advisory council received an email the week before I was set to return to Charlottesville in which Paul Mahoney expressed his interest in continuing the work of the council so that he can further learn about students’ perspectives and concerns. 

This brings us to Scott Stadium, Beyond singing the Good Old Song and cheering on the Hoos, the evening marked the beginning of our work together as a council. We spent time getting to know one another, sharing early perspectives, and beginning conversations about the priorities and responsibilities that will shape our engagement with University leadership this year.

Looking ahead, I am eager to help ensure that student voices are not only heard but meaningfully integrated into the conversations guiding UVA’s future. The council offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the bridge between students and leadership, and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by peers whose insight and commitment make that work both energizing and impactful.