News and Events

New President Ready to Lead from the Front

20 June 2007

New Students’ Union President Adam Hyland

Introducing our new Students’ Union President, 22 local lad Adam Hyland, who has a challenging year ahead.

Adam Hyland has had a little while to get used to the idea of being President of the Students’ Union at BU.

After being elected a few weeks ago, the 22-year-old from Poole will finally complete his BSc (Hons) in Internet Communication Systems in July, before taking the leadership reins from outgoing SUBU President, Ben Howard.

“Stepping into Ben’s boots is going to be a tough challenge but I feel I am ready for it,” enthuses Adam, a former pupil of the Victoria School in Poole.

“I am determined to get more students aware of and involved in the opportunities the Union offers and get students fully represented. I really want to get out there and deal with the issues students really care about.”

Adam, who has cerebral palsy, is no stranger to the Union or to the role of representing student interests.

In recent years, he has served as Representative for Students with Disabilities (SWD) in Bournemouth and worked with the National Union of Students, leading a number of high profile campaigns.

One of his best known campaigns - ‘Free to Pee’ – involved visiting bars and night clubs in Bournemouth to ensure they adhere to the Disability Act by providing public access to toilets for wheelchair users like himself.

But Adam insists that his interests as President won’t be limited to students with disabilities.

“The Union executive has members that deal with liberation campaigns like SWD and each member will have my full support,” he says.

“However, just because I have a disability myself doesn’t’ mean that SWD will be treated differently to any other liberation group.

“I feel so pleased that the student body voted to bring a fresh approach to their Union and support the opportunities that I want to bring as President.”