Next academic year, Amy Gordon and Stephanie Kuntz, two outstanding students in the College of Education and Human Development’s (CEHD) Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS), will serve as elected representatives in the University of Delaware’s student government associations. Gordon, a junior in the human services program, will serve as an academic affairs senator on the undergraduate Student Government Association (SGA). Kuntz, a doctoral student in the Ph.D. in HDFS program, will serve as president of the Graduate Student Government (GSG).

“It’s impressive to see both Stephanie and Amy involved in student government at the highest levels at UD,” said Jason Hustedt, professor and chair of HDFS. “This type of engagement is entirely consistent with our HDFS goals of affecting change in the communities where we live and work. I know they will take these roles of representing their fellow students very seriously.”

As a human services major, Gordon actively looks for ways to support her UD and broader Delaware community. For example, she has interned as a family advocate at a Head Start preschool and has participated in organizations like Tau Upsilon Alpha, the national honor society for human services.

“I’m so excited to continue advocating for students and strengthening connections within CEHD, as well as UD as a whole,” Gordon said. “Serving in SGA allows me to represent student voices, collaborate with faculty and help create meaningful, positive change across the UD community. It’s an incredible opportunity and I look forward to being further involved across campus!” 

Since joining the university, Kuntz has dedicated herself to student government, serving as HDFS senator on GSG and as president, vice president and treasurer of the HDFS Graduate Association.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as president of the GSG, where I will have the opportunity to represent the whole graduate student body and advocate for their needs,” Kuntz said. “I believe that the opportunities for leadership and the guidance I have been given within the CEHD have helped me further develop the skills necessary for me to be successful in this role.”

Kuntz’s leadership position includes funding for her degree, as well as extended time to finish her dissertation. Kuntz’s research interests include children with disabilities, parenting, attachment, resilience, early intervention programs for children and early childhood systems for serving children and their families.

“It’s wonderful to see two students from our college and the same department active in both undergraduate and graduate student government,” said Kristine Ritz, senior assistant dean of student services in CEHD. “I know that they’ll represent our college and the department very well.”

Article with Jessica Henderson. Photos by Shelly Silva and courtesy of the Student Government Association and Stephanie Kuntz.