Meet the Prez: Isaac Riggs ’25

Lenoir-Rhyne University Student Government Association (SGA) President Isaac Riggs ’25 has been active in student government since his middle school days in his hometown of Mt. Airy, North Carolina. As the biology major – with minors in chemistry and business – gears up for the new school year, he took a few minutes to reflect on the path that brought him here, his ideas for Lenoir-Rhyne and a few of his favorite things.

Q: What is your go-to order at Joe’s Coffee?

Cappuccinos, frappuccinos, lattes – anything that gives me a shot of caffeine.

Q: When and how did you get involved with student government?

In middle school I was the eighth-grade class president. I had the pleasure of doing morning announcements and leading the Pledge of Allegiance on the intercom. It was fun, so I remained class president all the way through high school. Then I ran for student body president and won. I’ve always been comfortable with a leadership role.

Q: Was the SGA presidency always a goal for you or did you have to be talked into running for the job?

Because I already had a history and interest in student government when I got to LR, it made sense to check out SGA here. I had made some friends in the officer positions through Lineberger Fellows, and I was impressed with the kind of impact they were able to make on campus. I ran for and won junior class president.

In that role, I worked closely with our previous student body president Diego Sanjuan ’24, which influenced me to run for student body president. His mission was about efficiency and effectiveness, really helping people at LR and being a visible, positive presence on campus. Seeing that example, I wanted to continue that approach and make a further impact – kind of pick up where he left off – but also I just love LR and want to do my part to improve the campus and help the people here.

Q: What is one goal you have for your presidency?

This year SGA is going to work to be a face for the people, to show the student body who SGA is and what SGA does – whether that means leading a safety walk around campus, identifying and solving problems, or sending out resolutions backing students on issues they’re standing for. We want to be active in looking for areas to improve, doing identifiable things that make life better for the students of Lenoir-Rhyne University. We want to be able to look back and say, “This is what the SGA of 2024-2025 did.”

Q: Why is student government an important part of campus life?

If we imagine that an individual student has a quantifiable amount of power, then the SGA can consolidate and increase that power by representing all students. SGA is the means that allows people to create change. We have funding and resources and connections to administration. I have regularly scheduled meetings with University President (Fred) Whitt, for example. So, if you have an issue, we’re the people who can do something about it.

To give you an example, last year my friend and I were running together and saw a student using a wheelchair get stuck at the crosswalk right outside the track. We helped her out in the moment, but I also brought the accessibility issue at that crosswalk to the SGA and administration. We got the sidewalk repaved and made campus a little safer and a little more inclusive. If you see a problem on campus, bring it to SGA. We can actually do something about it. 

Q: What is one way students can get more involved with student government even if they don’t have time to hold an office?

Most of our meetings are public, so anyone can come to a meeting and raise an issue. Clubs can communicate with SGA and ask for funds. To give the student body even more access, we’re planning to host at least open town halls in that 10 a.m. hour on Mondays during the semester. Those will include me along with Dean (Harry) Titus and maybe the assistant provost, creating a forum where students can comment and ask questions and get an immediate response. We also want to just make our regular meetings more visible and accessible, and we’re planning to set up office space and office hours to keep those lines of communication open.

Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at LR so far?

I think any memories with the people on the cross country and track teams have been the best. I know 6 a.m. runs don’t always sound exciting to anyone else, but I think when we come to college, we all look forward to finding a group of friends we can walk through life with. That’s what I have with my team.

Academically, I’ve also made those connections in the biology department and with the faculty and students in the natural sciences who helped me complete my honors research last year. I looked at fire-adapted and non-fire-adapted plant species in ecosystems that are prone to wildfires, looking for species that could have their germination induced or rates increased by exposure to smoke. In my research I found a tobacco species native to North Carolina with increased germination from smoke. That was a pretty cool experience.

Q: If you could have a lifetime supply of anything, what would it be?

Nike running shoes. I’m on the track and cross-country teams, and the best shoes can get really expensive.

Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Oh, that’s easy – superspeed. I’ve always loved the Flash. I could be at the Olympics right now!

Q: Do you have a secret talent? What is it?

I guess you could say I’m musically gifted. I started with drums in sixth grade, and a lot of people don’t know I was in band all through middle school and high school. I was a drum major in high school. My track and cross-country schedule had too many timing conflicts to stay with the marching band once I got to LR – but I did try out!

Since I’ve been here and had a little time on my hands in the dorm, I learned how to play the guitar. Being good with percussion and guitar came in handy when I used to lead worship for Gathering House Ministries here on campus.

Q: What is the most used app on your phone?

Snapchat – you’ve got to stay up to date.

Q: What is your favorite song right now?

It’s a song by Josiah Queen called “The Prodigal.” I’ve really been jamming to that one in the car.

Q: What cartoon character would you like to be best friends with and why?

I’d love to be friends with Scooby Doo and just be in the show – even if I had to take Shaggy’s place. I want to solve mysteries and have a dog that can talk.

Q: What is a book you’ve read recently that you would recommend to other people? 
I recently read “Crazy Love” by Frances Chan. It’s super good, just looking at the overwhelming – or as the book says “relentless” – love of God and everything he provides for us. I think in our human minds it’s hard to comprehend that kind of infinite and astounding love, so it’s a really good book.

Q: Is a hot dog a sandwich? 

I think technically, yes. It’s meat between bread. Also, a straw has one hole.

Q: Is there anything else you want people to be sure to know about you?

Don’t be afraid to approach me. If you see me, just walk up and say hello! I’m happy to meet and talk to anybody, to help any way I can. I’ll always make time.