Kate Perkes has formally resigned as Student Body Vice President of the Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU), marking an early close to her second term.
Student Body President Isaac Celedon appointed Ethan Mariner, Vice President of Academic Affairs, to succeed Perkes. The Academic Senate confirmed Mariner’s appointment in a unanimous 15-0 vote on Oct. 13.
Celedon also appointed Carson Cole, Non-Traditional Student Representative, to fill Mariner’s former role. The Academic Senate approved Cole’s appointment 14-0, with School of Public Service Senator K’Lee Burbank abstaining. The confirmation leaves the Non-Traditional Student Representative seat temporarily vacant.
Formal conversations within ASBSU regarding Perkes’ resignation began in late September, with her prospective resignation date announced during an Oct. 6 Senate and Assembly joint meeting.
“[Isaac Celedon, Ethan Mariner, Carson Cole] and I had formal conversations that Ethan Mariner would be the best fit,” Perkes said. “Not only because he’s been in the organization for the past year as Vice President of Student Relations, but also because he has worked alongside almost every exec member on our team right now.”
“We feel confident with Carson Cole’s appointment because he ran for Vice President of Academic Affairs through the election period, running against Ethan Mariner,” Perkes added. “There was a lot of research, drive and passion. If you’re continuing to show up, even after all of the stress that elections may bring, there’s something there.”
Perkes said she chose to step down due to significant ongoing health challenges within her family and the opportunity to study abroad in Lyon, France.
“After the encouragement of my family to take on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and reflecting on the experiences I could gain from this, I feel as though it’s best for me to prioritize myself and my family for the last couple of moments I have with them before my departure in January,” Perkes said.
With a background in high school student council, serving as a resident assistant and being a member of The Corral, Perkes was elected vice president during the 2024 ASBSU elections. At the time, she was a second-semester freshman and entirely new to ASBSU.
Reflecting on her time as vice president, Perkes highlighted several projects she is most proud of, including Bill #8, a $23,357 initiative that funded the installation of electrical power infrastructure in The Quad; Bill #9, which extended the Campus Food Pantry’s ability to provide free hygiene products to students; and Bill #10, which allocated $4,500 from the ASBSU Sponsored Budget to include mental health resources on the back of each Bronco Card printed in fall 2025.
“I can confidently say that I do feel like I’ve grown as a leader, as a person. I know what it takes to be a leader and have people look up to you,” Perkes said. “That’s something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Along the way, I’ve made wonderful friends.”
While Perkes is formally resigning from ASBSU, she described her departure as “not a goodbye”, but rather a “see you later”. She is considering taking a step back from leadership positions and potentially becoming a general assembly member or joining a committee during her senior year.
“It could be a beautiful thing to see new leadership [in ASBSU],” Perkes said. “I could provide insights and background, or help mentor in certain ways. You can learn a lot by being on the outside.”
Perkes will continue to attend the next two Senate and Assembly joint meetings to ensure a “seamless transition”.
In a statement to The Arbiter, Celedon said he fully supports Perkes’ decision and commends her for prioritizing her personal growth and well-being.
“As we move through this transition, our team is focused on ensuring stability, continuity and support for all the projects already underway. I’m confident that Ethan Mariner, who was previously the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, will bring in the experience and values to fulfill the role of Vice President,” Celedon said. “ASBSU will never forget the values Kate brought to this organization of empathy, determination and deep care for others. This will continue to remain at the heart of ASBSU’s work as we move forward.”
