Source: Seth Ellis, sellis1@k-state.edu
Photo available. Download at http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/feb11/217sethellis.jpg
News release prepared by: Kayela Richard, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011

PRESIDENT OF BLACK STUDENT UNION PUSHES STUDENTS TO BE THEIR BEST

MANHATTAN -- As president of Kansas State University's Black Student Union, Seth Ellis encourages students to push themselves to be strong leaders and to give back to the community.

Ellis, a senior in secondary education, grew up in Kansas City, Kan., and graduated from Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences. He originally attended Morehouse College before transferring to K-State in 2009.

Ellis said K-State's warm and inviting environment made it easy to get involved with Black Student Union right away.

"I got involved with BSU when I came to campus, and I really enjoy it," he said. "I became a delegate for the Big 12 Council on Black Student Government, and I have enjoyed participating ever since."

Ellis said it can be tough at times to be in a leadership position, but the benefits outweigh the costs.

"You really have to push yourself, and you have to be diligent," he said. "I try to hold myself to a high standard. If you're in a leadership position you have to make sure you're doing everything you can to set a good example for the people around you."

He said Black Student Union not only stands for community service and developing leaders, but it's also about cultural awareness.

"You have to know where you’ve been to know where you’re going," Ellis said. "We want to make sure people understand who they are, what they are here for and who they can become."

Ellis said that the Black Student Union has grown immensely since it was established at K-State in 1969.

"BSU has grown because our members are willing to push themselves academically," Ellis said. "They're ready to be leaders and take the next generation forward."

Black Student Union also gives members information on different campus resources to help them with their academics, such as Educational Supportive Services, Upward Bound and the McNair Scholars Program, Ellis said. Students interested in the Black Student Union are invited to attend the group's meetings at 7 p.m. Tuesdays in Room 212 of the K-State Student Union.

Ellis, who is the son of Seth Sr. and Regina Ellis, Kansas City, Kan., is a student teacher in Junction City this semester, teaching seventh- and eighth-graders. He plans to graduate in May and start his teaching career.