CUNY SPS Student Leader Makes History with Election to USS Chair

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) is delighted to announce the breakthrough achievement of CUNY SPS student Daniel Reden (BS Business ‘26), who was recently elected the 38th Chairperson of the University Student Senate (USS)  and the Student Trustee of the City University of New York (CUNY).

As Chairperson of the USS, Reden will lead over 80 delegates serving the University-wide student governing body. The USS fulfills many vital functions for the University system, including championing and advancing students' rights, as well as sponsoring and administering student scholarships.

Traditionally, USS Chairpersons have been students from CUNY’s larger cornerstone campuses, such as Hunter, Brooklyn, and City College. As University Director for Student Engagement and University Student Senate (USS) Joseph Awadjie has noted, however, Reden is “the first” USS Chair/CUNY Trustee to come from one of the University’s smaller, newer campuses.

In addition to leading as the Chairperson for the USS, Reden will also serve as the only student on the CUNY Board of Trustees. His one-year board term will offer opportunities to work directly with CUNY’s Central administration and influence policies affecting students.

Anthony Sweeney, associate director of student life at CUNY SPS, shared his excitement about Reden’s achievement. “We’ve had several students elected to leadership positions at the USS, but Daniel stands out as the first to serve as chair. This prestigious role provides Daniel a unique opportunity to influence policy for CUNY students across the entire University,” Sweeney said. “I have no doubt that his experiences at CUNY SPS will shape his leadership approach. Daniel is exceptionally bright, and I am confident that he will excel in this role, making a lasting impact throughout the year."

Fellow CUNY SPS Student Association member and USS delegate Jason Gilbert (BA Psychology ‘25) also expressed his enthusiasm about Reden’s recent election. “I believe that Daniel will be an excellent representative of the SPS community. Online education is a rapidly growing degree path, and SPS is poised to lead the way for CUNY,” said Gilbert. “His leadership demonstrates the strength and potential of our campus, paving the way for increased recognition and opportunities for all SPS students.”

Reden’s life exemplifies the perfect CUNY story. He is a proud first-generation college student born and raised in Brooklyn to Nigerian immigrant parents. Since he was thirteen years old, Reden has worked to support himself and his family.

As he takes on his new position, Reden shared his sense of the historic importance of his role and his goals. “It is a humongous honor to represent CUNY SPS,” he said. “I understand the major history that was made with my election and representing the SPS community. I want to lean into that as much as possible. So that's my plan. That's my goal. It means the world to me.”

Alongside his new role, Reden will continue his current leadership positions in numerous organizations at CUNY SPS, which include the School’s Student Association, the Governing Council, the Committee on Institutional Equity and Diversity, and the Black Student Union, where he serves as president.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu