The Student Government Association appointed a new vice president during their end-of-year banquet.
The new vice president will be economics junior Jake McGaha.
Formerly the director of operations for SGA, McGaha explained that transitioning into this new position brought about better opportunities for campus involvement.
“I found myself really enjoying my time and commitment to student government,” McGaha said. “I thought maybe I could do a little bit more for the organization than what I am doing right now.”
McGaha’s new position will oversee continued work on SGA projects that have been in development, including Campus Connect Live, which was announced in October.
Campus Connect Live is expected to be released sometime in the upcoming semester and will provide students with a place to livestream SGA meetings, as well as open up communication between students and administration.
SGA President and computer information systems senior Stephen Bender explained that McGaha’s appointment to the vice president role was a natural transition for the association.
“There are a lot of people who step up into leadership roles,” Bender said. “He seemed to be the best fit for someone who was looking to go above and beyond.”
Bender further noted that last semester contained a lot of behind-the-scenes work for SGA, but more will be offered for students on campus this semester.
The events planned include a professional development week, in which students will have opportunities to educate themselves on resume building, the use of LinkedIn and a bingo night.
Later in the semester, SGA will sponsor a meal-swipe event to combat loneliness on campus.
“I think loneliness is a huge issue on campus,” Bender said. “Loneliness as an epidemic is something that is super serious. Student Government has the funds and resources to help bring people together and make those people feel wanted and important.”
The event will provide students an invitation to eat at The Rock with members of the Student Government and meet new friends on campus.
Forensic biology junior Samantha Nowak expressed hope that a new vice president will open the door for more opportunities for the student body.
“Other programs have hands-on student volunteering and other activities like gift wrapping,” Nowak said. “So more fun activities for students would be nice to see.”
Nowak also expressed a desire to see more discussion about student government around campus, stating that the lack of information available makes it difficult for students to know what SGA is doing for the campus community.
The SGA meetings occur every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., in the Founder’s Room of the David L. Eisler Center.