USAO’s Student Government Association (SGA) is hosting their annual Election Night Wednesday, Sept. 18 in the ballroom from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Starting Thursday, Sept. 12 all eligible senator candidates will begin their campaigns with the results announced on Election Night. SGA has 32 people running for ten wards, which is an increase in engagement as they saw a 68% increase in the number of senators running this year compared to last year. Additionally, SGA saw an 80% increase in students who have returned to the organization this year.
USAO’s student body will be allowed to vote starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 through a link sent through USAO student emails or in-person voting during Election Night. SGA’s exec team has activities planned for the evening, including a Family Feud style game.
Each of the candidates was given an opportunity to provide a one sentence summary of why the student body should vote for them. Of the 32 candidates, 24 provided a response.
Freshman Ward Candidates
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Rhyelyn Turner
“I want to add to the student aid fund.” |
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Samuel Vaughn
“People should vote for me because I do not like it when the little guy does not get heard.” |
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Mary Branch
“I am committed to serving the entire freshmen student body.” |
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Teagan Merhib
“I am dedicated to having a genuine connection with the student body.”
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Sophomore Ward Candidates
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Danner McGarrah
“The students of USAO should elect me for SGA Sophomore Ward not only to ensure that the sophomore class is seen, felt, and heard, but to ensure that all students around campus get that same representation.”
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Nicc Manning
“Life is full of innovation, and I just want to bring more ideas to the table.”
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Junior Ward Candidates
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Thomas Buchanan
“I want to help create more provisions on campus for upperclassmen, incentivize younger students to stay with the University, reward students who have done that, and help alleviate burnout that I think a lot of my classmates feel.” |
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Max Corshia
“I care about the students and the safety of the students, and while I already show that through being a co-president of PRISM, being a senator would allow me more opportunities to listen to the students and protect them in any way I can.”
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Makayela Payne
“I believe people should vote for me because I really want to bring about change around this campus and not just talk about change and what we could do for the campus but what we can and will do.”
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David Orgas
“I believe people should vote for me because I want to represent all students and minorities on campus, make all their voices be heard and seen, and actually bring real changes to campus.”
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Maddie Woods
“As an international student and student-athlete, I can bring a unique perspective and outlook to the table.”
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Senior Ward Candidates
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Mobi Jones
“Students at USAO should vote for me because they deserve a senator who will not only hear what needs to be changed on this campus but somebody who will go above and beyond to ensure that things are getting done in the most efficient and beneficial way possible.” |
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Josh Edwards
“I have been a dedicated student who has excelled in a variety of academic fields, and I am going to bring that same drive to my position as I represent the students.” |
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Holden Pate
“You should vote for me because I am an advocate for the students, and I will go the extra mile to ensure that everyone is heard and included and whatever problems you see as a student.”
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IDS & Humanities Candidates
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Trinity Chatman
“I want to give students the opportunity to know that they can start from anywhere and then go to where they want to because there is an opportunity for everyone, and I want to be that voice for everyone to bring the opportunities to give and give them avenues for that.”
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Mallory Emerson
“I have experience and training through OSGA that give me the abilities to write legislation and research and provide statistics to address problems on campus and advocate for the people in my ward so we can get them what they need.” |
Business & Social Science Candidates
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Sierra Frailey
“Because of my time in SGA, I have the experience and knowledge to get things done.” |
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Benjamin Huff
“I am a unique candidate because I bring a bright and positive outlook to student government and to meeting campus needs.” |
Visual & Performing Arts Candidates
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Mason Alldredge
“I am running for SGA and people should vote for me because I am present, I have been tested, and I am ready to continue making positive change on campus.” |
Education & Speech Language Pathology Candidates
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Alyssa Qumiby
“I want to be able to help everybody that I can and bring out all student voices across campus.”
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Dilly Guillen
“People should vote for me because I have the SGA experience, I have the character to support our students, and additionally, vote for Dilly or you’re silly.”
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Kaylen Merritt
“I want to be a voice for the entire Education Department.”
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Physical Education & Science Candidates
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Jenna Hamburger
“People should vote for me because I really care about the Science Department, and I have shown that by getting a new periodic table for Austin Hall 206, and if you vote for me, I want to do more.” |
Off-Campus & Commuter Candidates
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Hayla Wilson
“I can use my passions to bring out other people’s passions.”
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Six students who did not respond for a comment includes:
Dekayla Pewo (Freshman Ward)
Liam Willingham (Freshman Ward)
Andria Harris (Freshman Ward)
Abbie McNabb (Senior Ward)
Aiden Howery (IDS & Humanities Ward)
Alex Martin (Education & Speech-Language Pathology Ward)
Colby Keller (Physical Education & Science Ward)
Elyanne Kenney is a third-year psychology major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
