A Dynamic Duo

A DYNAMIC DUO: UW Celebrates First Female President and Vice-President Ticket

When Riley Talamantes and Courtney Titus found their way to the University of Wyoming, neither woman knew what awaited her, let alone that they would become the first female president and vice president ticket in UW history. Talamantes, a political science major from Utah with a minor in gender and women’s studies, knew she had an interest in debate and human rights as she considered universities to attend. An avid participant of debate team in high school, Talamantes committed to UW after she was offered a scholarship for debate. Passionate about the shaping debate team had on her through high school, Talamantes knew she wanted to continue with her interests in undergraduate years.

During her first year, she also discovered the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming (ASUW). After observing ASUW, Talamantes saw opportunities for both

Associated Students of the University of Wyoming (ASUW) President Riley Talamantes (left) and Vice President Courtney Titus (right).

COURTESY PHOTO

growth and challenge, so she decided to branch out and pursue a seat in the senate.

Courtney Titus’ journey to her appointment as vice president was a winding, yet serendipitous path. Titus, a Wyoming native, spent most of her life relatively close to the university in Cheyenne. Considering her parents to be “homebodies,” she was determined to branch out for her undergraduate education. Attending Colorado State University (CSU) during her first year, Titus was on the pre-med track. While challenging, she was able to meet her high expectations, maintaining an excellent GPA. After her first year at CSU, she realized that pre-med was not the track for her. Titus had a newfound appreciation for education and decided to return to her roots at UW and pursue a double major in english education and psychology with a minor in gender and women’s studies. When Titus saw an opportunity for a seat in the senate after her return to the university, she deiced to run and secured her spot.

ISSUES OF INTEREST

After instances of racial tension within the ASUW, both Talamantes and Titus decided to lean in and figure out where the institution could be more equitable. During a listening session around diversity, inclusion and equity work, they both saw one another and appreciated the other’s commitment to working towards change. So, they connected, talked, then made a plan to run from the president and vice president ticket. The rest was history.

Both women feel grateful to have their platform, and they are passionate about using it to further improve conditions for students on campus and increase inclusivity in ASUW. For Talamantes, she knew that she wanted to work towards increasing wages for student workers at UW. Livable wages were important to her, as not all students have the luxury of being able to participle in campus organizations if they are also working full time. “My first year of college I was working almost full time while going to school. On my days off, I’d want to relax, watch TV and eat dinner, not spend another four hours participating in an extracurricular activity that didn’t pay me,” she says.

Titus agreed and added some areas where she had interest as well. She was excited to offer suggestions for how the university could advance around issues of equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as access. “I wanted to look for ways where we could improve. I was really proud [that] ASUW is positioned in a really unique spot to be a leader for some of these issues. For example, we worked to create a land acknowledgement statement, and now that statement is the statement that the Native American resource center directs people towards if they are interested in making a statement like that,” she says.

Titus also noted their shared commitment to dismantling barriers, noting their distinct and supportive stands toward anti-racism and Black Lives Matter.

REDEFINING HISTORY

While perhaps the first female identifying ASUW president and vice president in UW history, Titus and Talamantes are cautious to accept the accolade of first. Both are honored to be in this position but point to history for their hesitation. “The ASUW has been around for over 100 years,” says Titus.

Because of this it’s hard to know exactly how people identified gender-wise over the course of a century. Both Titus and Talamantes acknowledge the pioneers who came before them and are thankful for the ways they paved.

ADAPTING TO COVID

While their insight and maturity is notable, it’s easy to forget that Talamantes and Titus are both working college students. While COVID-19 offered some challenges for both of them, their optimism and perseverance reflects their Cowpoke spirit. Both credit A&S faculty as being adaptable and positive within the change to online learning. Nevertheless, the fall semester offered them challenges on both their mental health and general well-being. When asked about how they coped during the semester, both women noted similar techniques: self-care, checking in with loved ones and, of course, dog therapy.

“I am thankful that I am able to have my dog and partner at this time,” Talamantes says. “I have more time to walk my dog now—an English Mastiff, Gertrude—and that has been helpful.”

For Titus is was the much of the same. Connection, partnership and caring for her animals goes a long way.

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE

Both Talamantes and Titus enjoy the insight into university function and policy that their candidacy has offered them. Both women are considering their possibilities after college and look to their interests and experiences within the ASUW and the College of Arts and Sciences as they consider their multitude of opportunities.