Kansas University student body president Steve Munch is receiving some leadership guidance from a past U.S. president.

Munch, a history and sociology major, has found inspiration in the leadership style of Harry S. Truman, the nation’s 33rd president. He admired Truman for his role in integrating the armed forces.

“He was a visionary,” Munch said. “So much of what he did had an impact on us over the next 60 years.”

He will keep Truman in mind during the 2004-2005 school year while representing student interests.

“I’m here to do a job and serve the students,” Munch said. “The best decision is not always the easiest one.”

A junior-to-be from Bellevue, Neb., Munch never planned to become KU’s next student body president.

“I stumbled into senate, and I stumbled into involvement,” he said.

Sophomores rarely serve as student body presidents at KU.

“It’s interesting because this has never been done before, as far as I know,” Munch said.

KU STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT STEVE MUNCH, RIGHT, and vice president Jeff Dunlap, left, want to make KU Student Senate relevant to students. The pair took office April 28. See more on Dunlap on Page 11.

He has been involved in KU Student Senate for two years. He served as a new student orientation assistant last summer, worked with the Department of Student Housing and on the University Daily Kansan editorial board.

One of his main goals is to make KU Student Senate relevant to students.

“Students have no understanding of what we do,” Munch said. “We want to work on issues that do impact the students.”

He encouraged new students to get involved.

“I’m so appreciative that in the first few weeks I did try things out and I got involved,” Munch said. “A year and half later, I’m student body president.”

As for next year, Munch is ready for the challenges.

“I have a great love for KU,” Munch said. “I enjoy working for its improvement.”

— Kansas University journalism student Amy Potter was an intern at the Journal-World during the spring semester.