J amie Pollock’s love for politics began at Wilson High School, where she successfully ran for class president.

It was long before her time at Wilson, however, that Pollock knew she would take her dreams to The Beach. “I’ve known since I was in junior high that I wanted to attend Long Beach State,” says Pollock. “I loved everything I saw about the campus.”

Today, Pollock is a graduate student in CSULB’s MBA program. Her love for film-making and a variety of artistic expressions led her to graduate cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in film and electronic arts. She was one of eight female students to complete this program in 2005.

Pollock believes her road to success at The Beach began with one very important class. As an honors student, Pollock registered for a leadership course taught by then CSULB President Robert C. Maxson. “Taking Maxson’s class was the best thing I ever did. I got to know him as a university president and as a mentor. He has such great values that I try to model to this day,” she says.

During her second year, Pollock ran for senator for the College of the Arts and served a one-year term. As senator, she met with the college dean and got him involved in attending college council meetings. She helped raise the political awareness of students in the college. The next year, she was elected as student-at-large to the 49er Shops Board of Directors. “Serving on the 49er Shops Board allowed me to interact with Vice Presidents Doug Robinson and Bill Griffith and other campus administrators. I had a chance to build great relationships with these individuals,” Pollock reveals.

Pollock and President Alexander cut the cake at the ASI's 50th anniversary celebration.

The next year, Pollock was appointed as public relations commissioner for the Associated Students. She began the tradition of distributing free care packets to students during finals week. “Making these packets, which consisted of a tea bag, a pencil, candy and a scantron, was our way of saying thank you and good luck to our students,” Pollock proudly states.

Jamie Pollock

In fall 2005, Pollock was elected student body president and CEO of the ASI. This position gave her responsibility for corporate operations and student government volunteer efforts. Pollock’s passion for student participation, shared governance and advocacy throughout the university soared. She continued to serve on the 49er Shops board as vice-chair and successfully persuaded the board to donate $100,000 to student programs. She committed herself and her team to work within the Long Beach community to integrate the needs of CSULB students with local business owners and city officials.

Her administration leaves the legacy of renaming State University Drive to Beach Drive and getting the Long Beach State flag flown at Long Beach City Hall. Pollock also was the sole student representative who participated in the search committee that recommended the new CSULB president, Dr. F. King Alexander. Pollock has often been the only student voice at important on- or off-campus meetings. She has always followed the ASI motto of “Keeping Students First.”

As Pollock moves on to new challenges, she looks forward to doing more of what she loves—spending time with her family, particularly her baby niece, Dylan. She’ll have more time for water sports, kickboxing and spending time with her dog, Daisy, too.

The young woman who was born and raised in Long Beach humbly acknowledges that being part of the ASI gave her life skills experience that she will always value. “I feel prepared for the real world, wherever it takes me, because I had numerous hurdles that I overcame while keeping my integrity and self-respect intact. I am grateful to all the wonderful, supportive students and staff at this university, especially those in the ASI,” she says. —Hinckson is assistant director for student involvement and leadership for the ASI.