Students elect new president, officers to SGA

University students named Tiffany Allison president of the Student Government Association in the organization’s spring election.

Kortlan Porter and Rene Hernandez earned another term and will serve once again as vice president and parliamentarian, respectively.

Allison, who beat candidate Michael Suarez by a narrow 167-to-132-vote margin, said her victory came as a welcomed surprise.

“It was completely unexpected,” she said. “I was confident that I would be able to do a good job but was unsure if the student body felt the same way.”

Allison is no stranger to authority—she currently serves as treasurer of the Alpha Chi Honor Society.

She said her presidential campaign relied upon her communication with students and a network of supporters.

“During elections, I talked to numerous classes in various majors to tell them a little about myself and my plans as president,” she said. “I believe that as well as the continued support of the Kappa Sigma fraternity is what lead me to come out on top.”

Two former senators round out the list of officers for the 2011-2012 term: Voters elected Amber Amerson to the position of treasurer and Bradley Pennington to the position of secretary.

“I am very excited to be the next secretary for the Student Government Association,” Pennington said. “I look forward to expanding my experience in SGA, as it has enhanced my college experience thus far.”

Amerson is currently working on a plan to create a preservice English-teacher degree plan, she said, and hopes to continue helping students in her new role as treasurer.

“As a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, I have had the chance to be a part of some great things for our students,” she said. “I know some great things are in store for our institution next year, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it.”

During the process of electing officers and senators, students voted to approve the most recent amendments to the SGA constitution.

However, voters denied a measure that would increase the International Education Fee from $1 to $4 by a tally of 229 to 146.

Senators accepted for the College of Arts and Sciences include Daniel Simpson, Robert Miller and Addison Gribbin.

Senators for the College of Business and Technology include Kevin Judy, Julia Ann Apoderado and Nalini Patel.

Senators accepted for the College of Education and Psychology include Sara Deitrick, Jamie Newburn, and Catherine Naylor.

Senators accepted for the College of Engineering and Technology include Regina Hoyne and Nathan Landers.

Senators accepted for the College of Nursing and Health Science include Meredith Boardman and Adam Switzer.

There is one remaining senate seat for both the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Nursing and Health Science.

No students from the Palestine and Longview locations chose to run for election, leaving two seats from each campus vacant.

Filling these seats will be a priority of the newly elected president, who plans to advocate the will of the student body.

“I am looking forward to pursuing the wants of the students,” Allison said. “I want to make UT Tyler the place its students want it to be.”