“Breaking Barriers and Putting Students First”. This is the professional platform that Student Government Association President Jonathan Allen values his entire administration after. Since elected, Allen and his administration have hosted a successful leadership summit (iLEAD summit), established the Tiger Legacy Council, raised over $18,000 and created what is now known as the Tiger Den. They have also participated in national events such as HBCUnifed, registering over 700 GSU students to vote in the current Presidential Election, televised two of three presidential debates, and have hosted multiple seminars on class levels promoting unity, academic excellence and leadership. In the near future, SGA plans to establish a permanent recycling program on campus.
A wise man once said that “it is your people who make the ultimate difference,” and the New Iberia native has been auspicious enough to have 11 Executive Board members that work with him to provide a better enhanced reinforcement tool for the students of Grambling State University, and they are: Demetria Spencer- vice president, Jamila Mamon- treasurer, Robyn Cole- secretary, Corban Bell- chief of staff, Derrick Young- director of student relations, Samara Flowers- executive assistant to SGA President, Stephany Norris- director of special projects, Timothy Hernandez- chief of justice, Jordan Gaither- director of academic affairs, Jasmine Blinks- director of transportation and Andrea Beasley- director of public relations.
The executive treasurer along with other student leaders are spearheading an initiative that will result in a permanent recycling program on campus. The executive secretary along with other student leaders are currently developing a research project that will look into the renovations of the campus library. The result will be a proposal which will be used to further the cause of obtaining a new library,” says Allen. With the importance of voting being critical in this election, SGA, under the leadership of Young, has taken the lead on getting students involved in the presidential elections.
While budget cuts have affected not only citizens but universities as well, Allen, along with past SGA presidents have collectively raised over $18,000 during the Homecoming Week to use towards advancing the mission of the Student Government Association, which is to break barriers and put students first.
Making sure students’ needs are facilitated, SGA conducts publicized meetings that are open to the student body. In addition to both of these things, the entire SGA operates with an open door policy (meaning whenever and wherever a student has a concern) they are available to listen. This measure of effective communication aids in bridging the gap between students and administration. “The Student Government Association maintains a consistent and open line of communication with the university administration through the office of the president,” says Allen.
For the fall 2012 and spring 2013 fiscal year, SGA started out with an operating budget of roughly $200,000. Most of these funds were slated to be used for activities during the fall semester and spending has been on track with forecasts. Currently, there is roughly 50 percent of the starting funds available as multiple events occurred at a cost that was under forecast leaving a surplus of funds within the operating budget. Since school has been in session, the following have been major funding outlays: Royal Court/SGA executive board training, Presidential Inauguration, iLEAD Summit, SGA Retreat, ASGA National Summit, Organizational Funding and the creation of the Tiger Den.
Students can become involved in SGA, as a volunteer under any department they wish through the tiger council. If interested, they may reach Derrick Young for more information at derrickyjr@gmail.com.
Less than 100 feet down the hall is Favrot Student Union Board President Dexter Tardy’s office, who has been diligently working to implement great programs that FSUB has to offer, as well as ensure that the student body is always satisfied.
On Tardy’s e-board sits Dillondria Barnes who serves as vice president, Kendra Hall- Administrative Assistant and Raven DeLay, business manager. Members of the e-board as well as Tardy execute long hours and manpower to organize campus activities for the students, including the recent Homecoming Festivities, which headlined celebrities such as Meek Mill and Melanie Fiona. “I was pleased with the outstanding attendance for the homecoming events, and more than satisfied with the student participation,” says the Belzoni, Mississippi native.
The Student Union Board has six committees that include both a chair (head of respective committee) and co-chair (collaborator to the chair) and they are Artistic Culture, Featured Attractions, Hospitality, Lagniappe, Publicities and Traditions. “These committees hold meetings periodically throughout the semester and allow their committee members to attend to discuss business regarding FSUB, in addition to making decisions towards choosing artists for activities such as Homecoming and Spring Fest”, says Tardy.
Currently there are a total of 506 members in FSUB, but students have the opportunity to join the organization at any time in the semester.
FSUB recently held the Miss Cover Girl Pageant Informational on Monday, Nov. 26 as they prepare for next semesters beauty contest.
The executive treasurer along with other student leaders are spearheading an initiative that will result in a permanent recycling program on campus. The executive secretary along with other student leaders are currently developing a research project that will look into the renovations of the campus library. The result will be a proposal which will be used to further the cause of obtaining a new library,” says Allen. With the importance of voting being critical in this election, SGA, under the leadership of Young, has taken the lead on getting students involved in the presidential elections.
While budget cuts have affected not only citizens but universities as well, Allen, along with past SGA presidents have collectively raised over $18,000 during the Homecoming Week to use towards advancing the mission of the Student Government Association, which is to break barriers and put students first.
Making sure students’ needs are facilitated, SGA conducts publicized meetings that are open to the student body. In addition to both of these things, the entire SGA operates with an open door policy (meaning whenever and wherever a student has a concern) they are available to listen. This measure of effective communication aids in bridging the gap between students and administration. “The Student Government Association maintains a consistent and open line of communication with the university administration through the office of the president,” says Allen.
For the fall 2012 and spring 2013 fiscal year, SGA started out with an operating budget of roughly $200,000. Most of these funds were slated to be used for activities during the fall semester and spending has been on track with forecasts. Currently, there is roughly 50 percent of the starting funds available as multiple events occurred at a cost that was under forecast leaving a surplus of funds within the operating budget. Since school has been in session, the following have been major funding outlays: Royal Court/SGA executive board training, Presidential Inauguration, iLEAD Summit, SGA Retreat, ASGA National Summit, Organizational Funding and the creation of the Tiger Den.
Students can become involved in SGA, as a volunteer under any department they wish through the tiger council. If interested, they may reach Derrick Young for more information at derrickyjr@gmail.com.
Less than 100 feet down the hall is Favrot Student Union Board President Dexter Tardy’s office, who has been diligently working to implement great programs that FSUB has to offer, as well as ensure that the student body is always satisfied.
On Tardy’s e-board sits Dillondria Barnes who serves as vice president, Kendra Hall- Administrative Assistant and Raven DeLay, business manager. Members of the e-board as well as Tardy execute long hours and manpower to organize campus activities for the students, including the recent Homecoming Festivities, which headlined celebrities such as Meek Mill and Melanie Fiona. “I was pleased with the outstanding attendance for the homecoming events, and more than satisfied with the student participation,” says the Belzoni, Mississippi native.
The Student Union Board has six committees that include both a chair (head of respective committee) and co-chair (collaborator to the chair) and they are Artistic Culture, Featured Attractions, Hospitality, Lagniappe, Publicities and Traditions. “These committees hold meetings periodically throughout the semester and allow their committee members to attend to discuss business regarding FSUB, in addition to making decisions towards choosing artists for activities such as Homecoming and Spring Fest”, says Tardy.
Currently there are a total of 506 members in FSUB, but students have the opportunity to join the organization at any time in the semester.
FSUB recently held the Miss Cover Girl Pageant Informational on Monday, Nov. 26 as they prepare for next semesters beauty contest.