Opinion: The future of SGA -

Editor’s note: An SGA candidate statement published on MediaOCU was erroneously attributed to Senator-elect Katlyn Davenport. The story has been updated with the correct statement.

Ticket #1:

President – Brittany Wyatt: “I am a junior Political Science major who is dedicated to serving others and making a seat at the table for all people. As the current Vice President of the Student Government Association, I have spent the past 16 months creating meaningful connections with students and advocating on behalf of the OCU community. My time at OCU has taught me the importance of kind leadership, self-motivation, and purpose. These skills have instilled in me a passion for this university and I am eager to continue this work.”

Vice president – Robert Gonzalez: “I am a junior music education major who currently serves in SGA as junior senator at large and appropriations committee chair. I have a passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and access work, particularly in the realm of education and how policies shape assessment, student retention, and post-graduation success.”

Ticket #2:

President – BreAuna Shaw: “I’m a collaborator! In our campus culture, collaborators benefit the student-body and excel in the role of Student-Body President. The most memorable leadership lesson I’ve learned is that “leadership without service is manipulation.” Prioritizing service means understanding how to best serve OCU. To be successful in this, collaboration is required.”

Vice president – Amanda Gonzalez: “I aspire to lead and promote change around campus. As Vice-President I will help SGA senate by implementing and conducting legislation ideas that will benefit the well-being of OCU. Everyone at OCU has a voice, as Vice-President it’s my goal to make sure that each and every voice is heard!”

Ticket #3:

President – Sophia Smith: “I am a passionate, dedicated, organized, and compassionate person who pushes everyone to be their best. I am a leader and always a friend and I believe that I would be good for this position because I would be able to help the school and accomplish important things while still being open to any ideas and inclusive of everyone. I would be beneficial for SGA president because I have a unique set of skills and background that would work well with the OCU community to bring about positive change and leadership.”

Vice president – Mackenzie Moon: “Upon obtaining the Vice President position, I will work to increase inclusivity and promote environmental friendliness on campus. I will meet regularly with constituents to promote insightful discussion of ways we can better our school. I will work closely with student organizations to promote OCU’s goal of preparing students to think critically and make a local and global impact.”

Senator-elect:

Penelope Hughes – Sophomore At-Large 1 Senator-Elect: “I believe that I will benefit the position because of my past work in SGA and my willingness to listen to what others have to say.”

Jackson Seay – Greek Senator-Elect: “I am a current member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, where I hold valuable positions. Not only have I made a name for myself, I have enjoyed being a part of Greek Life. I would love to contribute to the oversight of Greek Life as a whole.”

Emma Goins – Religion Senator-Elect: “I am active in organizations including the Wesley Center, Better Together, Alpha Chi Omega, and NAS. I work closely with religious organizations and a Methodist church outside the university. As a religion major, I have a unique view on religious life here and how we can meet students’ faith needs.”

Madison Pivonka – Dance & Arts Management Senator-Elect: “I am an enthusiastic team player who loves to be involved in all facets of our campus. My passion for dance has been cultivated through my years of training, involvement in organizations such as We Are Queens, and pursuit of a degree in Dance Management. My knowledge of the Ann Lacy school would serve SGA well.”

Katlyn Davenport – Business Senator-Elect:
“I’m a passionate and practical person who can represent the needs of those within Meinder’s. I am proud in that I am a very hard-working individual and love to be in environments with people who are likewise. I love Meinder’s and its people so much and it would bring me great joy to be a voice for them.”

No candidates applied for the following positions:

Music senator

Science and mathematics senator

Social sciences senator

Humanities senator

Health professions senator

Theatre senator

International senator

Athletic senator

Sophomore at-large senator 2

Junior at-large senator 1

Junior at-large senator 2