Warhawks elected a new Student Government Association (SGA) council and approved a fee increase after two days of campus-wide voting held April 2-3.
Before voting began, candidates — including the men’s basketball team — campaigned together around the Hub on April 1. Booths lined the area, decorated with bright signage, merchandise and snacks. Candidates promoted themselves and the proposed fee.
Junior chemistry major Hannah Habisreitinger earned the role of SGA president. A seasoned leader, she has held five positions in SGA, including senator-at-large and vice president. Given her experience, she feels well prepared for the responsibilities of the presidency.
“Throughout my previous terms in these other roles, I have learned about what being SGA president entails,” Habisreitinger said. “I have also learned different skills that have prepared me to serve with both experience and integrity.”
Serving as Habisreitinger’s running mate, sophomore biology major Kelly Lohman won the vice presidency. She climbed the ranks, starting as a senator before becoming speaker of the house for the College of Arts, Education and Science. Last year, she served as executive assistant to the president.
“All of my experience has certainly prepared me to lead in a new way and take on the role of SGA vice president,” Lohman said.
Junior pre-pharmacy major Gabby Thomas will serve as SGA secretary, replacing junior pre-pharmacy major Samaria Spears. Junior marketing major Laura Mayfield will become treasurer, taking over for senior finance major Cassidy Walton.
The student self-assessed fee passed with 711 votes in favor and more than 650 against. The fee will go into effect during the 2025–2026 academic year and will increase from $74.45 to $194.45 by 2029. The new fee contributes to funding for the Student Success Center, RSOs, athletics and campus events. While it passed by majority vote, some students said they felt pressured to vote a certain way, raising concerns about the accuracy of the votes.
“I did not appreciate how politicized it was,” one anonymous student said. “I felt overly pressured to vote in ways that I did not agree with, and it made me extremely frustrated. I ultimately voted no after reading the documents for myself.”
SGA President Habisreitinger invites all students to attend her town hall meeting Wednesday, April 16, at 5 p.m. in CNSB 101. The event gives students a chance to meet the executive officers, voice opinions and discuss campus concerns in an open forum.
