A New Class of Leaders Emerge: Presidential Debate and Miss Southern Revue

When election season comes around, the Presidential Debate and Miss Southern Revue are two highly anticipated events at Southern University A&M College. Here, students witness the unveiling of the candidates vying for positions from Class presidents and SGA president to the class queens and Miss Southern. These events aim at showcasing each candidate poised to uphold the standards and legacy of the university.
Southern University’s Student Government Association (SGA) Presidential Debate showcased the visions and strategies of two prominent candidates, Kennedy Orr and Henry Steele III, as they vied for the esteemed position. The event, hosted by former SGA President Donald R. Dunbar Jr., MS, unfolded on March 6, 2024, at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
Hailing from Chicago, Kennedy Orr articulated her plans to prioritize mental health by introducing additional mental health days and self-defense courses. Meanwhile, Henry Steele III, from Monroe, Louisiana, emphasized inclusivity by targeting smaller organizations for involvement, contrasting with the focus on larger groups.
Both candidates addressed concerns about collaboration with other organizations, advocating for partnerships to address student needs effectively. Orr stressed the importance of existing partnerships, while Steele highlighted the necessity of engaging smaller organizations.
When prompted about advocating for mental health resources, campus safety, and academic support, Orr emphasized continuing partnerships, while Steele emphasized utilizing existing resources like counseling centers and introducing innovative solutions like rage rooms.
During the debate, Steele identified cyberbullying as a significant issue, advocating for face-to-face surveys to address concerns, stating, “Sidechat is a big problem facing our university. It’s created an environment where students feel more comfortable to go online anonymously to talk about and tear down other students… it’s something we need to get rid of.” Orr emphasized her experience in leadership roles and her commitment to effecting positive change, saying, ““We need to improve security… I’ve worked with admin to conduct searches across campus to see what needs to be improved… If there’s an issue that students are concerned about, we need to address them and look into that.” Third party app Sidechat, which is not affiliated with Southern University, was brought up in both points however the audience audibly gasped with Steele’s implication to disconnect the community-based app.
As the debate concluded, both candidates pledged accountability and transparency in their potential roles as SGA President, promising to address student concerns and foster a supportive campus environment.
Up next was Miss Southern’s review. The competition began with Kaylie Potter, the sole candidate for Miss Sophomore, who demonstrated a selection of qualities. The battle for Miss Junior then commenced between Kaitlyn Clark and Tayana Washington who both showcased their personalities in a variety of fashions. The competition then continued with a three-way showdown for the crown of Miss Senior, featuring A’Kira Tate, Keondra Carter, and Kiyah Woods, each bringing their own set of talents to the stage. The final face-off for Miss 94th Southern was between Baton Rouge natives and former Miss Freshman candidates, Faith Woods and Whitney Davis.
The contestants showcased their Southern spirit in the first round, donning Southern apparel with personalized flair. The second round, featuring business attire, showcased the candidates’ professionalism. The swimwear round followed, with the ladies exuding confidence and elegance as they strutted across the stage. Throughout the event, the audience was treated to choreographed dances, which both excited and entertained the audience from the sounds of their applause. This round concluded with an interview portion of each Miss Southern candidate.
Later that week on Friday, March 4, the newly elected candidates were announced with Kennedy Orr being selected as SGA President and Faith Woods being selected as Miss Southern.
India Lewis, a freshman majoring in Pre-nursing, had this to say when asked about the elections results, “I hope that whoever gets these positions will do the right thing with them and not just use it as a way to gain popularity. So, I’m excited to see what comes from the new leaders.”
For more information involving the Student Government Association, reach out to your local campus officials or keep up with the organization on Instagram (@subrsga).