The Student Government Association (SGA) held officer candidate speeches Thursday over Zoom. Executive Leadership Committee (ELC) candidates, Riley Brown, Jordan Newsome-Little, Imani Cameron, Christopher Higgins, Skylar Walder and Chase Slenker gave prepared speeches and answered questions about their future plans for SGA.
Newsome-Little and Brown are running for the position of SGA president. In her campaign speech, Newsome-Little said, “If elected, I will continue to fight for equity, transparency, compassion and accountability.”
Brown echoed her sentiments and emphasized the need for a united campus.
“We will only be successful if we listen, empathize and act,” Brown said.
In the question-and-answer portion, student viewers and members of SGA asked about each candidate’s plans to encourage diversity on campus, helping students through COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic regulations and why they are fit for the position of president. Both candidates agreed that communication and transparency were important factors in supporting minority groups on campus.
Newsome-Little cited her fearless attitude and determined mindset as qualities that set her apart from the opposing candidate.
Jordan Newsome-Little is running for the position of student government president.
Riley Brown is running for the position of student government president.
“I want to bring the campus together and create a family,” Brown said when asked what effect he wishes to have in office.
In addition to presidential speeches, candidates for officer positions also gave speeches.
“As vice president, I will emphasize the importance of SGA and Ad Hoc committees,” Imani Cameron, the candidate for vice-president of internal affairs, said in her speech.
Skylar Walder is the candidate for vice president of external affairs.
In her speech, she empathized with students who are dealing with stress from the pandemic and promised to help those on campus and online find a home at Shippensburg University.
Christopher Higgins is running for vice president of student groups.
Higgins addressed issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and explained his desire to restore campus morale through student groups.
Chase Slenker is running to be the vice president of finance.
“I am willing to make SGA more accountable to student needs through our financial policies and annual operating budget.” Slenker said.
Voting began on March 1 at 8 a.m., and continues until March 4 at 4 p.m. Students can vote using the online election system. For more information, visit the SGA website at ship.campusgroups.com/sga/about
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