Southern University’s Fall 2024 Elections Week came to a close on Thursday, September 5, following a week of overcast skies that couldn’t diminish the energy of the student body or the determination of those campaigning for student government positions. Candidates showed resilience and enthusiasm, utilizing every opportunity to share their platforms with fellow students. Despite the weather, campus remained lively with campaign posters, flyers, and student interactions, as hopeful candidates worked hard to engage with their peers and secure votes.
The elections, a central part of student life at Southern University, are often seen as a launchpad for campus leadership, offering students a chance to advocate for their classmates and bring meaningful change to the university community. This year was no exception, as spirited campaigns led to an exciting election week. On Thursday afternoon, the campus buzzed with anticipation as the results were announced in the Union, drawing a crowd of students eager to see who would represent them for the academic year.
The highlight of the election results was the much-anticipated announcement of the final addition to the Royal Court. London Coleman, majoring in Pre-Vet Medicine from Madison, Mississippi, was elected as Miss Freshman. Her election marks the beginning of what promises to be a leadership journey that will shape her experience at Southern University and contribute to the Royal Court’s esteemed tradition. Coleman, a newcomer to campus, earned strong support from her peers, showing that even first-year students can quickly make their mark and rise as prominent figures within the campus community.
In addition to the Royal Court election, Jillian Patterson was elected to fill the last available Residential Life and Housing Senator seat with an impressive 1,076 votes. With Patterson’s victory, she will help the other Reslife senators ensure that on-campus living conditions, policies, and student concerns are addressed and advocated for.
Junior Justice Tayana Washington also stood out during the elections. Washington, who was elected with 111 votes, shared her thoughts on the value of risk-taking and personal growth in her new role. Quoting Lupita Nyong’o, Washington stated, “It’s only when you risk failure that you discover things.” Her remarks underscored her readiness to face the challenges of representing her peers, ensuring justice is served fairly within the student government, and advocating for the rights of all students.
Kiera Tate, the Elections Commissioner, also reflected on the eventful week, expressing pride in the student body’s participation. “This election has been amazing,” she said. “We saw a fantastic turnout this year, with over 1,000 voters compared to last year’s 943. We are incredibly thankful for the participation and engagement from our student body.”
While many positions were successfully filled, a few remained vacant due to the No Candidate Clause. As a result, applications have reopened for Freshman Class Vice President, Freshman Class Finance Director, Freshman Class Public Relations, Freshman Justice, College of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies Senator, and Spring Sports Senator. Testing for these positions will take place next week, and updates will be posted on Instagram at @subrsga and @suboardofelections.
As the election cycle draws to a close, Southern University eagerly anticipates the initiatives and fresh perspectives that this new wave of student leadership will bring in the coming academic year. The excitement surrounding the elections demonstrates the continued passion of Southern’s student body to engage in the democratic process and shape the future of their campus community.
