USUSA Eastern student leaders light up campus, say goobye to Spring 2026

Paving relations and representing students at USU Eastern, the Utah State University Student Association (USUSA) is a student-elected and student-led government that oversees inclusion and events across all of USU.USUSA is the official student government, with the Eastern Service Region headquartered, overseeing, and operating out of USU Eastern.

This year’s government was headed by Vice President Brooklyn Mackay and is now being led by current Chief of Staff Alyssa Chamberlain. While Mackay says goodbye to students and her staff, Chamberlain is gearing up for fall.

“The Eastern Service Region is the branch of the Utah State University Student Association that represents students at USU Eastern.” Landrie Anderson wrote in an Eagle article here. “Officers advocate for student concerns, plan events, support cultural engagement, and serve as a bridge between students, campus administration, and statewide USUSA leadership. The region ensures Eastern students are represented in university-wide conversations while remaining focused on campus-specific needs.”

USUSA holds weekly meetings where they discuss upcoming events and happenings around campus. Each student is required to meet a set number of office hours each week and attend events.

Meetings open and close in a manner resembling meetings at all levels of American government. Students who work in the USUSA are being exposed to low-stakes, legitimate government environments and processes earlier in life than they might otherwise have been.

The last Eastern USUSA meeting of the year was held on April 13. The meeting was opened by Vice President Mackay, entertaining a motion to approve the meeting’s minutes. Director of Cultural Engagement Mabel Suarez moved to approve, Operations Manager Haley Heugly seconded. 

The students then did a brief ice breaker, and then began discussing recent events. The Cultural fair and its BBQ after party were discussed, as well as how USUSA could better support athletes and encourage game attendance. 

Moving on, the students talked about the Stress Relief Event and how many students participated.

After recapping recent events, the students spoke about finals week and the final events of the semester. Leadership stressed the importance of getting office hours in despite crammed schedules and finishing the semester strong.

Leadership spoke about the upcoming Lite Brite event—mentioning that they had to be careful about copyright —then about Fertilize your finals and Stars and Cars events, and about maintaining snack tables in the Reeves building for students during their finals.

The council unanimously approved to end the meeting.

Compared to official city and town meetings, the USUSA environment gives students a more relaxed and forgiving atmosphere to learn the duties of government and public service.

Overseeing all these weekly meetings are advisors Cameron West and Allie Chamberlain. Advising and connecting with these students has helped them grow as faculty and people. 

“As an Advisor of USUSA, I have been taught many lessons,” West said. “One that has been important for me is helping students learn to love USU Eastern. USU Eastern — and being in Price — can be an acquired taste, and living in Price is a different experience for some students. I have learned to love the area and help students love Price and USU Eastern too. I have learned to really help the students take more control over their college experience.”

West’s favorite event this year was the Silent Disco Dance. He loved the variety of music and how students adapted to it throughout the dance, and that night, played a Kidz Trap song called “I Love My Mom” that everyone went crazy listening too.

“I am so proud of our team this year,” West said. “They have been super adaptable to weather, venues, students, and more. They have been so creative in the events they have planned, and we have seen events grow by more than 50% on average this year!”

In addition to maintaining events, Vice President Mackay also spearheaded efforts around Eastern to keep students safer. Due to her efforts and voice, a plan is being implemented outside the student center to ensure safer crossing for students. Mackay has also campaigned to put more cameras in the upstairs McDonald’s building, and to make campus more accessible to Aggies Elevated by placing more visual landmarks around campus.

“Overall, I am proud that my efforts helped spark meaningful conversations and led to real steps

toward improving safety, accessibility, and inclusivity on campus,” Mackay said.

After working in USUSA for two years, Mackay decided to run for Vice President during her third to create real change and impact. She’s a testament that students can create real change on this campus when they put their minds to it. 

Current Chief of Staff Alyssa Chamberlain has also been elected Vice President for the 2026-2027 school year. Alyssa Chamberlain ran on the “LyssaListens” platform and has already emphasized her desire to network and connect with students.

“I want to make it easier for students to use the resources available to them and bring in additional support when it would benefit our campus,” Alyssa Chamberlain said in a past interview. “Eastern has strong systems in place, but there is always room to improve how aware students are of them and how accessible they feel. Students should know exactly where to go and feel comfortable reaching out when they need help. Most importantly, I am committed to taking action on student feedback.”

She added recently, “I’m super excited for the new ideas our event directors are coming up with. I can’t wait to see them come to life this upcoming school year.”

Alyssa Chamberlain will be expanding on Mackay’s vision and legacy.

“My advice to Alyssa as the incoming VP — and to any future leaders — is to stay grounded in

students’ voices and remember who you represent,” Mackay said. “The most meaningful changes come from listening to what students are experiencing and advocating for what they need. Don’t be afraid to push for change. Some of the biggest impacts come from starting a simple conversation. Remember to lean on your team, you are not in this alone. Most importantly, lead with empathy and authenticity. Students will feel like you genuinely care. Stay consistent when you start and never lose sight of why you stepped into the role in the first place. This is your time to make a real difference so use this opportunity to use the platform to its fullest. I am so proud, you will accomplish amazing things!”

In saying goodbye to the current staff and friends, Mackay said, “It has been an incredible experience and a big part of my life for three years to work alongside people who care and are so passionate about making a difference on campus. I am so incredibly proud of the time, effort, and passion that everyone put in. It does not go unnoticed. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together. I am grateful for the relationships I have built these past three years, the lessons I have learned, and the impact that has been made in my life … GO EAGLES!”

Heading USUSA in Fall 2026 is Vice President Alyssa Chamberlain, Director of Student Events Lanie Anderson, Director of Cultural Engagement Mabel Suarez, and Student Advocate Ellanore McDonald. To get involved with USUSA, apply here or contact Allie Chamberlain at [email protected].