Student Government Association President Kerrie Ambort, an Austin native is beginning her first year as SGA President succeeding Austin O’Kelly’s two-terms in office. Unlike O’Kelly, Ambort ran uncontested in the April election but has proven herself in prior terms as a senator for Patriot Village and the College of Business and Technology.
Ambort, a business management major, joined SGA in fall 2006 as a freshman and served as a senator until 2008.
She was nominated as “Senator of the Year” in 2007, and maintained perfect attendance to all SGA events and meetings in 2007 and 2008. She’s been on the president’s and dean’s lists, and she is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, a business honor society. She is also the recipient of the Joyce Jones Memorial Scholarship.
Our school is growing immensely. Everywhere you look there are new buildings and new students. What challenges do you wish to overcome during your term?
As the school grows I want every student to know that their voice matters at UT Tyler. Each and every student has the opportunity to be heard and have an impact on our campus.
What do you believe you might not be able to do?
I am an optimistic person in nature and feel that there is nothing out of reach. If there is a problem that students are addressing, myself, along with the other SGA officers, will do our best to overcome any challenges and serve the students best interest.
What is your general philosophy of government?
Every person has a voice that deserves to be heard.
How would you apply that to the SGA and this University?
I would apply my philosophy of government to the University by encouraging all students to have their voice heard by other students and our administration. It is our goal, as the Student Government Association, to provide a platform for students to have the opportunity to project their concerns and opinions.
Why is the SGA important to the University?
The Student Government Association is important to the University because we are here to serve the students at UT Tyler. Our main purpose is to be the voice of the students to the faculty, addressing problems and concerns that need to be taken care of. All students are able to attend weekly SGA meetings and bring up any issues they feel are important. If a student can not attend the meetings I encourage them to contact myself or any other officer regarding their concerns. Currently we have offices located in UCX and all officers are accessible via email.
What are the SGAs big plans for next year?
July 17th all the SGA officers will be attending a National Association for Campus Activities conference to develop our plans for the upcoming year and design our schedule of events.
What do you expect to do after you graduate?
After I graduate there are many roads I want to take in life. I am currently ahead of schedule with three semesters left for my undergraduate degree and plan to continue my education to obtain my MBA. I intend to use each experience to continue to develop my future plans.
What drives you?
One of the main things that “drives” me as an individual is the injustices in the world thus this is the reason for me running for SGA President. I want to be able to give those who may not have an adequate platform to voice their concerns and opinions. I feel that this experience in SGA will help me to carry the same principals and apply them to everyday life.
Every intelligent person has weaknesses. What are yours?
I am a very determined person that wants to help others in need, whether it is beneficial to me or not. While most may not see this as a “weakness” it is for me because I continue to dwell on others needs if they are not dealt with properly.
How would you characterize working with the administration? Any challenges?
Working with the administration has been a wonderful experience so far. I am learning how the university functions and finding ways to better serve the students as I am settling into my new position. I look forward to continuing to work with the current administration to overcome any obstacles that may arise during the upcoming year.
The previous SGA President said if he could change anything he wanted to about the University, it would be the alcohol policy. What’s your opinion on the alcohol policy?
In my opinion policies are enacted to protect the wellbeing of others, however, individuals make their own choices. I respect our current administration and the policies that they have in place. My job as SGA President is to make the students voice heard, project the majority opinion, and not be bias.
What do you do in your free time?
With the little free time I currently have I am in the planning stages of an event for this Fall semester benefiting the local Special Olympics, Turf Wars, will take place on Saturday September 27, 2008 on the UT Tyler campus. In addition to planning that event, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my horse Lillie and making the trip to Austin to visit my family.
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