In a clear victory, ETSU students selected Chad Hall as the president of Student Government Association for the 2010-11 school year. This year’s election drew in a record breaking number of students to the polls, with 1,462 votes.”It feels exciting and surreal,” Hall said in an interview with the East Tennessean only minutes after the results were announced.

“The students got behind a cause,” Hall said. “I’m excited to be able to serve them, not just those who supported me, but all ETSU students.”

Hall received 804 votes, beating candidate Nick Mitchell, who received 559.

Hall said that the past week of campaigning had been tiresome and tough, and now he is just looking forward to resting.

“It’s been a long week,” Hall said. “I’m glad it’s over.”

Hall said that he will begin his term by speaking with the ETSU administration about the advisement process, a primary issue in his campaign.

“If it means that we must create a task force to work on advisement,” Hall said. “Then I think it has to be done.”

He also said he plans to address the budget constraints the university is facing.

“We need to find ways to alleviate the burden from students,” Hall said. “I want to sit down and speak with administrators about this issue and find what works.”

Although Hall ran on a ticket with vice-presidential candidate Valisa Griffin and candidate for secretary Victoria Highfill, Hall was the only one who won.

Incumbent Ashley Bowser took the vice-presidential seat with 764 votes, while candidate Maggie Draden won secretary/treasurer with 797 votes.

“It’s unfortunate that my whole ticket couldn’t win,” Hall said. “But I have no problem serving with the other two ladies. I know we can work together to make change happen on this campus.”

Hall said that he could not have won the position without the support of the students and said he felt that his campaign was well received.

“I think the students were happy we maintained a positive attitude throughout the campaign and stuck to the issues,” Hall said. “I would definitely like to send out a big thanks to all the students who voted, regardless of how they voted.”

Hall also said he plans to maintain an ‘open-door’ policy.

“I will have an open door at all times, to all students,” Hall said. “I want to be available to any student at any time of the day.”

Aside from Hall, Bowser and Darden, senators were elected to represent students.

Brian Bowman, outgoing SGA president, was elected to represent the College of Arts & Sciences, as well as Lauren Dunn, Johnny Krause, Nicki Zaveri, Dalton Collins, Chelsea Muhlhahn, Michael Neblett, Donovan Reed and Iqra Ahmad. Chris Carpenter, Pratik Govan, Alyssa Belanger, Summer Galloway and Kyle Turner were elected as the senators for the College of Business & Technology.

For the College of Education, Alexandra Minter, Elisa Carbajo and Kensie McKee were elected as senators.

Dustin Williams and Sydney Rogers were elected as the senators for the College of Nursing, while Roger Thompson, Jr. was elected to represent the College of Public Health.

Alex Carver and Mo Sabri will represent Undeclared students, while Shae Keane will represent the residents of BucRidge and BucVillage.

For the residence halls, Christin Walker will represent Dossett, Powell, West, Panhellenic, Carter and Stone.

Write-in candidate Emily Roberts will serve as senator for Lucille-Clement and Luntsford Hall, while Zack Walden will represent Governor’s Hall, Centennial Hall and Davis Apartments.

All elected parties will begin their terms during the last Senate meeting of this semester.

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