The TCU Student Government Association has a new president: Dominic Mendlik, from Fremont, Nebraska, who is double majoring in economics and political science. Mendlik recently answered a few questions for TCU News about his SGA involvement, presidential goals and some of his favorite things on and off campus.
What brought you to TCU?
I really didn’t know a lot about TCU, other than having gone to the Alamo Bowl when
my sister was on a cheer team, but my college counselor thought it would be a good
fit. This was during the pandemic, and, when I came to visit, the campus still felt
very vibrant. People were in the Commons, having fun, and it just seemed like a happy
place. When we were ranked No. 1 Happiest Students last year, I was not surprised.
When did you get involved in student government and why?
I joined SGA within a week or two my first year, mainly because I knew I wanted to
be involved to get the full college experience and for leadership opportunities. It’s
a great way to be exposed to different parts of the university, as well as to serve.
I have a real desire to engage with the community and to make a difference, especially
when it comes to improving the campus experience.
What have your prior roles been?
My first year, I filled one of the vacant seats in the House of Representatives, then
I was the Academic Affairs Committee Chair as a sophomore, and, as a junior, I was
elected SGA vice president.
What student government accomplishments makes you the most proud?
The Pass/No Credit (P/NC) deadline extension (an SGA bill that modified the P/NC deadline
to allow students to select the option at up to 90% of class completion) was a big
project that I think will make a difference. I am also proud of working with the Ignite
group to provide complimentary feminine hygiene products in the academic buildings.
It’s something other schools have adopted, and we’ll start a pilot in the fall.
Why did you want to run for president?
As vice president, I worked closely with last year’s president, who shared some of
the duties with me so I could gain that knowledge and experience. When you work together
and with the university administration, it’s an amazing feeling to know that something
you’re working on can make a difference and improve the campus experience.
When I got involved in SGA, we were coming out of the pandemic, so a lot of work had been done remotely, and we had fewer opportunities to work with campus administration. Now, we’re regaining the ability to build those relationships and know how to get things done effectively. As president, I want to pass on to the younger leaders what we’ve learned. I believe that teaching is an important part of being a leader.
What are your primary goals as president?
One is to understand what students find valuable about TCU and why they came here
so that we can have input on deciding the future course of the university. Being president,
I may be the only student voice in a room. I’d also like to see TCU revitalize the
homecoming traditions, and another goal is to help improve the course descriptions
for students, especially now that we’re in the digital age.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be, and how do you plan to overcome it?
Challenges differ from year to year, but one we have now is that we have to continue
to recruit and retain people to serve on our House of Representatives. We also have
a young SGA, so we need to help them build leadership, talent and ability. As we pursue
projects, I’ve learned how to evolve an idea and compromise – and I want to pass on
what I’ve learned.
What are some other campus organizations you’re involved in?
I’m in Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity, where I’ve been on the cabinet. I’ve served
as an Admission Ambassador and am a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Order of Omega, a
Greek leadership organization. I also participate on the Moot Court team, in which
students argue a hypothetical case before a mock appellate court, and I helped found
the AddRan Dean’s Advisory Board.
How have your economics and political science majors impacted your leadership development?
Economics teaches you how to think in terms of trade-offs and how to analyze a situation
toward the goal of a positive sum. Political science teaches how institutions run,
both their system flaws and benefits. It forces you to engage with views you may or
may not believe. As a leader, it’s important to have the ability to hear and see the
views of others.
What are your goals after graduation?
Right now, I’m trying to soak up and enjoy my last year at TCU, which has prepared
me for graduate school and a career. I plan to go to law school after I graduate.
I see myself as a lifelong learner.
What do you love most about being a Horned Frog?
I love the community and think it’s what sets us apart. Especially during football
season, the atmosphere on campus is incredible, and we’re all on a high as we get
ready for a home football game.
More about Dominic …
Go-to morning beverage: Iced vanilla latte
A food you wish was healthy: Chocolate mousse
Favorite spot on campus: Top floor of Rees-Jones Hall
Favorite hangout off campus: Dutch’s
Favorite movie: “Inception”
Last show you binge-watched: “Suits”
On your playlist: Classic rock
Hobbies: Watching football, reading, wakeboarding, snowboarding and golf
Place you love to visit/would travel to one day: Sicily
A professor who had a meaningful impact on you: Dr. Samuel Arnold in political science
Best TCU memory to date: The Fiesta Bowl in 2022 (against Michigan)
Listen to the TCU Innovates Podcast with Mendlik and Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr.