Stan and Deliver

The hallways of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union were filled with cheers and tears as announcements were made in the run-off elections for Student Government Association president and Association for Women Students president.
In a decisive victory, senior theater arts major and New Orleans native Stanley White Jr. (1,032) beat Phillip Wallace (462), a junior political science major from Baton Rouge.
“Student government is turning over a new leaf,” said White when asked what his win means to SGA. “I am committed to the student body and want to work closely with the administration on financial aid and registration for the fall. We cannot have students sleeping in their cars like last fall.”
The newly elected president also reverted to the student government run-off debate on Tuesday when he said he wanted to address the state legislature on budget cut decisions to be made on Tuesday.
During the run-off debate, students were able to ask candidates questions regarding their previous involvement in SGA, specific plans for the university and their thoughts on improving campus life for students.
D. J. Baker, director of Residential Life, said he anticipates working with the newest student leaders.
“We’re here to assist them (SGA) anyway possible and I look forward to a productive year.”
Current SGA president Jamal Taylor also has high hopes for White as well as the other students elected.
“I think the students spoke and they made a good decision,” said Taylor. “His sincerity about the issues and the students are going to help him handle any hurdle he will have to face.”
Taylor, who ran and lost his bid for re-election, publicly endorsed White because he felt White would bring a clean slate to SGA.
The Association for Women Students will also see a new face in its highest position.
Nona Stewart (499), a junior mass communications major from New Orleans, beat current Executive Assistant to the President for AWS Ronisha Johnson (432), a junior social work major from Baton Rouge.
“Just when you think the students don’t care, they show up and show out,” said an excited Stewart. “They really care.”
Getting started his semester, Stewart said she is going to select an efficient cabinet and meet with all female leaders on Southern’s campus to assess their needs and concerns.
“In the fall, we’re planning a dormitory raid so the females on campus know that we’re here and we’re here to serve them.”
To listen to the general election debate and run-off debate, please visit the Southern DIGEST’s Web site at southerndigest.com.