By: Melissa Boyd, (Whetstone staff)

Kira Tieman

Kira Tieman

Student Government Association Chief of Staff Kira Tieman was elected SGA president and secretary Jasmine White was elected vice president after a week-long election.

“I’m honored that the student body has faith in me to hold this position,” Tieman said. “We have a great cabinet in place for next year and I am confident that we will be able to engage students and make it a great year for everyone.”

White said she was nervous at the beginning of her race against opponent Fred Sottnick.

“It was a sigh of relief,” she said. “I was really hoping I would win.”

White said the next step is for the new cabinet to meet.

“We need to make plans based on what the students want,” she said. “Kira went to a lot of different groups to see what change they wanted on campus and so we have a variety of opinions and we can work from that.”

Tieman said she has plans for next year.

“My main priority is engaging students on campus, encouraging them to be more active in campus life,” she said. “I want to create a relationship with each of the student organizations and assist them in increasing their membership, as well as participation at their events.”

Tieman said she attended several organizations’ meetings so she could make changes students want.

“I believe that going to the meetings showed students I truly care about their opinions and want their input,” she said. “It’s important to meet different students and make sure they know that they can talk to me about any issues they might have and know that I am willing to hear what they have to say.”

SGA adviser Cynthia Newton said she’s optimistic about the new cabinet.

“The SGA executive board is a good representation of the wide demographic range on this campus,” she said. “I have a lot of positive hopes and thoughts for their going forward.”

Newton said she’s confident in the new president and vice president.

“They’re both competent, exceptionally intelligent and are attentive to the students,” she said. “I think it’ll be a good year, as SGA finds its voice and becomes more legitimate among students.”