In the past the marks of the Student Government Association have been left unseen by a vast majority of students on the John Brown University campus. This fall’s staff brings several new faces, new changes and new rules.
SGA President Brad Johnson spoke about the organization’s vision and goals for the upcoming year. “We want to work efficiently but also be creative,” said Johnson. “We really want to focus on project completion.”
Many of the projects SGA faces were left half-done or in the beginning stages from years before, such as coinless laundry, extended open dorm hours, a dead day for exam week and expanding the bike program around campus.
In order to accomplish these tasks, SGA’s strategy is to divide and conquer. With various committees within the organization devoted to different projects, Johnson predicts this year’s SGA will be more successful than in the past.
“I think the committee structure will allow senators to specialize in one area they are passionate about,” said Johnson. “We have a lot of potential and want to be a force for positive change on campus.”
After last week’s election, seven positions in SGA were filled, further diversifying the organization and providing a more accurate representation of the student body.
There are now six new senators, the Vice President of Elections, position was filled by former Natural Sciences Senator sophomore Gloria Jang.
The newly elected senators include sophomore Julia Theisen for Engineering and Technology Senator, senior Gabriela Flores for Senior Class Senator, freshman Neeya Toleman for Freshman Class senator, freshman Zoe Shafer for Business Senator, freshman Ashley Burns for Education Senator and senior Luke DeYoung for Natural Sciences Senator.
“I think SGA will be a great opportunity and will be fun,” said new senator Ashley Burns. “And I want to make sure my department has its voice heard on campus.”
Burns discussed the importance of having representation from all areas of campus. “I feel like the more support we have from the different departments, the more we will have from JBU,” said Burns.
The Student Government Association still struggles with recognition on campus, with many students unaware of the projects and events it works on throughout the year, such as Homecoming, Junior-Senior and club funding. Johnson hopes to change this notion by completing major projects and rebranding SGA this year with the help of the new senators.
“The new senators seem excited and are being proactive,” said Johnson. “They are excited to share their ideas and change JBU for the better.”