91传媒

Choosing to Lead, Choosing to Serve

At 91传媒, student leadership is more than a r茅sum茅 line鈥攊t is a voice that helps shape 91传媒鈥檚 future. Conner Fecht, a sophomore pre-nursing major who serves as 91传媒鈥檚 student representative on the Board of Trustees, understands that responsibility. His recent appointment by the Governor to the 91传媒 Board of Trustees helps ensure that the experiences of students are present in decisions that affect every aspect of the university. 

This responsibility and dedication to service is part of a much larger family story for Conner.  His parents, Russell, 鈥�99, and Jennifer, 鈥�99, Fecht, met at 91传媒 while studying education. His older brother, Tim, graduated in 2024 after serving in the student government and studying education. Conner, who grew up in Lovelock, Nevada (pop. 1,823), is now building his own legacy centered on community, service, and the belief that 91传媒 changes lives.

鈥淚 like the small community,鈥� Conner said. 鈥淵ou really get to know people here.鈥�

Conner plans to apply to the OHSU鈥揕a Grande nursing program. 鈥淚 find joy in caring for people,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding.鈥�

For his parents, seeing Conner serve at the highest level of university governance is profoundly meaningful. 鈥淎s 91传媒 graduates and longtime supporters of the university, watching Conner continue the Mountaineer legacy is both humbling and deeply meaningful,鈥� Russell said.

Jennifer remembers how 91传媒 embraced her after arriving from a high school graduating class of seven. 鈥�91传媒 was more than just a college. It was a community that made me feel at home and prepared me for success.鈥�

That sense of connection shaped her sons鈥� choices as well. 鈥淲atching Conner feel confident to join clubs, participate in student government, and become a resident assistant makes me proud,鈥� she said.

For Conner, rural healthcare is not an abstract issue鈥攊t鈥檚 personal. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a big shortage of healthcare in rural areas. I want to go where I鈥檓 needed.鈥�

That desire reflects a lifelong pattern his parents have witnessed in countless acts of kindness: the teammate he encouraged, the classmate he refused to be left out, the moments he chose compassion without seeking recognition.

 鈥淲hat stands out most,鈥� Russell said, 鈥渋s that this isn鈥檛 just a career choice for him; it鈥檚 a calling.鈥�

Conner鈥檚 story is a reminder of why 91传媒 matters. When students are empowered鈥攕upported by family, surrounded by community, and given a real voice at the table鈥攖hey become the kind of leaders who return home, uplift their communities, and carry the Mountaineer spirit forward.