The first female Associated Student Body president at UM since 1996, Rebecca Bertrand believes it’s good to have a woman in the office not only to represent the perspectives of the 7,120 other women enrolled on the Oxford campus but also to demonstrate that leadership from women is possible and valued.
Bertrand, a senior political science and journalism major, has worked closely with Vice Chan-cellor for University Re-lations Gloria Kellum to encourage junior and senior women to seek career mentoring. She’s also prompted sorority members to look beyond the Greek system for opportunities to get involved.
“I want to encourage women on campus to be well-rounded,” she said.
Bertrand sets a good example. Her resume includes several student government posts, volunteer experiences, honor societies and internships.
“Rebecca is a very special person who demonstrates innate leadership abilities,” said Richard Forgette, professor and chair of political science. “We first met when she had an interest in interning with a political campaign. Since then she’s initiated several other internship experiences. She is an excellent student and natural-born leader.”
Besides working as assistant grass-roots director for the successful campaign to elect fellow Texan Ted Poe to Congress, the Houston native has interned for Houston City Council member Addie Wiseman and for U.S. Sen. Trent Lott. She also spent a summer interning with the ABC affiliate in Houston.
“Growing up with Ann Richards as governor and having worked for Addie Wiseman, I’ve never questioned whether a woman could be elected,” Bertrand said.
Busy with student government, her priorities include working with the registrar’s office to allow students to track their course work and progress toward degrees online, with the residential college design committee to blend academics with residence hall life and with Oxford officials to provide public transportation.
Bertrand is also busy with school. She was among three students accepted this year into the political science department’s Take Five program, which allows exemplary students to complete a master’s degree by remaining at UM for a fifth year. After completing the fall semester, Bertrand said she will focus her graduate studies on higher education, rather than politics, then land her dream job in “the university setting.”