Jonathan Fleischer and Elise Monson are united in their belief that Bemidji State University’s students deserve to feel seen and be heard.

Though their paths to leadership differed, Fleischer, student senate president, and Monson, vice president, are united in their belief in the strength of BSU’s close-knit campus and in the importance of ensuring students feel seen and heard.

Monson, a graduate student in environmental studies, said her decision to attend BSU was shaped by more than just the programs but also the campus environment

“It had the right vibe I was looking for,” she said

Coming from a town of about 180 people, Monson was drawn to the university’s atmosphere during a last-minute campus tour. A personal connection also played a role —her mother is a BSU alum.

Now in her third year with the student senate, Monson has served as chair of the campus affairs committee and as a member of the student senate cabinet before stepping into the vice presidency.

“I have been here for a while, and there is still so much I want to be a part of,” she said.

Monson said her leadership style centers on empathy and meeting people where they are. She is passionate about creating a campus culture where students feel valued and connected.

Fleischer, a junior majoring in environmental communication with a minor in political science, said BSU’s setting and mission initially caught his attention.

“I originally came for the biology program,” he said. “What really stood out was the location on the lake and the university’s strong sustainability focus.”

He said Bemidji’s natural environment and accessibility for students from across greater Minnesota made it a place where he could grow both academically and personally.

Fleischer joined the student senate in spring 2024 after serving as a peer academic assistant in Oak Hall and as a member of the student affairs committee. When several senate leaders graduated, he said he stepped up to help ensure continuity and representation.

As president, Fleischer oversees meetings and serves as a key link between students and administrators. He works closely with Dr. Kevin Stensberg, vice president for student affairs; Nina Johnson, student senate adviser and director of the Hobson Memorial Union; and Dr. John Hoffman, president of Bemidji State and Northwest Technical College.

Both leaders view the senate as a critical bridge between students and university leadership. They meet regularly with administrators, discussing issues such as dining services and student engagement, bringing student perspectives into decision-making.

“So much of our role is relationship building,” Monson said.

Fleischer said transparency is essential to that work.

“Students should always understand why decisions are being made,” he said.

Beyond policy and events, both leaders are focused on improving the overall student experience. Fleischer said he hopes to strengthen the first-year experience program by better communicating its purpose and expanding topics such as sexual violence awareness and involvement in campus organizations.

Monson said her priority remains student recognition and advocacy.

“I want people to feel seen and heard,” she said. “I want them to know that I represented them to the best of my ability.”

Asked to describe BSU in three words, both reflected the balance of warmth and purpose they see on campus. Fleischer chose sustainability, community and wide serving, pointing to the university’s reach across a large geographic area while maintaining close connections. Monson described BSU as close-knit, cozy and diverse.

Together, Fleischer and Monson represent the heart of Bemidji State, leaders committed to listening, working collaboratively and strengthening the sense of community that makes the university feel like home.

Story by: Hannah Cook, Content Assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing.