Hannah Cloven ’24 selected to serve on statewide student advisory committee

Hannah Cloven ’24

Hannah Cloven ’24 was recently chosen to represent the Council of Independent Colleges of Virginia (CICV) on a statewide student advisory committee.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia Student Advisory Committee is a student council made up of one full-time student from all four-year public colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia; four students representing the Virginia Community College System; and two students representing private institutions—one junior and one senior selected by CICV.

Cloven, an environmental science and chemistry double major, is the first Randolph student chosen to serve as junior representative.

“Hannah is an outstanding student leader who has consistently gone above and beyond. She’s one of those individuals, if you go to an event on campus, she’s there, either attending or helping lead it,” said Dean of Students Chris Lemasters. “She has a lot of conversations with us when she sees a gap or something she thinks should be addressed. And she brings it forward with ideas, which is relevant for this committee.”

The committee meets at least twice annually to advise the council on issues ranging from mental health policy to food insecurity to financial aid.

“As students, we often talk about the issues we experience, but do not usually put forth any action to resolve them,” she said. “This role provides me with the opportunity to address some of the concerns we have. I will actively be a part of the discussion regarding current policies that directly affect college students.”

The role is giving Cloven valuable experience in advocacy work, which she plans to use after she graduates.

“I want to go into water quality and management to provide people with access to safe, clean drinking water,” she said. “Through this role as CICV representative, I’m learning how to advocate for others and seek solutions to problems.”