The 2025/2026 academic year is soon to be underway and with it comes the leadership of our new SGA Executives. Taking over the SGA space will be President Shelby Koerten, Vice President Taylor Laymon, and Vice President for Finance and Administration, Macy Miller.
“I truly have such genuine love for this school and the student body. I have been involved in a lot of student organizations and through that I’ve gotten a really unique view of all that our school has to offer. I’ve just found so much opportunity and community and I really want to be a force in helping other students find that as well,” says Koerten. “Through my involvement in SGA and also just getting to know them through other student organizations as well, I was able to see that the impact our two past presidents had and just how they were able to not only make huge movements happen on campus, but also really uplift students and make students feel seen and heard and I knew that was the impact that I wanted to have as well.”
“I chose to run because my freshman year, when I joined, I started to gain a passion for seeing what we could do through legislations, through taking actions as junior senators or even senators and not just that but how professors that I’m close to would recognize that and then bring their concerns to me. Students would bring their concerns to me, and I noticed really quickly how SGA was an outlet to better convey the needs of the student body, the faculty and the staff and I chose to run for Vice President because I realized that was the best way to get involved in legislation, hands on deck,” says Laymon.
“I joined SGA a little bit late,” says Miller. “I know a lot of my friends joined and I never really realized just how much you could actually do in your student government and so when I had the opportunity to be a senator, I was really inspired and surprised by just how wonderful the internal workings of it is, how intricate that it really is and how many things can actually be put into action…My time on student committee, that’s where I really saw that piece, but then everything really changed when I joined the Buc Fund…” Miller went on to describe how Buc Fund aids student organizations through funding their events. “That entire aspect of SGA was something that I wasn’t expecting to love as much as I really did and so that was a big part of me wanting to run…that principle of fairness in those allocations but also uplifting our student body…”
The trio were elected from two different running teams, making the first split-ticket exec team the university has seen in years. When asked about the plans they have for the university and student body, the trio did not explain new ideas, but rather an interest in supporting the initiatives already in motion by the university as well as the previous administration. One area of focus noted by the execs was to create an SGA website that includes direct contacts for Execs and Cabinet, resources to join junior senate, and a box for students to submit their concerns. A review by the East Tennessean staff can confirm that an SGA website already exists and contains the mentioned features. That aside, the trio also expressed interest in making this website look more appealing to their generation, rather than the standard Blue and Gold style.
Other ideas presented included amplifying career services, focusing on student wellness, creating a better internal environment for SGA, continuing conversations about healthy dining hall options, making career services resources known to 1020 classes, and looking at reinstating mobile office hours, an initiative created and scrapped by the Trent White administration after it didn’t see the intended results. These ideas appear to be in the early stages of development, as no action steps for them were mentioned. An actionable initiative that was discussed, however, was the interest in scholarships.
“I’m super impressed with the Golden Opportunity Scholarships, to provide scholarships so people can do unpaid internships and still receive benefit from it, but what we want to do is expand that to where everyone has the opportunity to come find an unpaid internship, to receive credit hours for it, to just be able to make it work into their schedule,” explained Laymon, in reference to the Golden Opportunity Fund that was established by Career Services this past year.
When asked if they had any new ideas that were not developments or reworkings of something the university already has, Koerten responded, “In a way, this is building off of what we had, but it is going to be completely new. We are working with marketing services to look at the new student app…it’s pretty impossible to create a new student app where something hasn’t previously existed, but the layout of it is going to look completely different…”
The trio went on to describe how the app will be more user friendly, enjoyable, and will connect students with campus resources. Miller also explained that Marketing Services is also currently looking at making a new app that just has safety features on it.
Laymon also noted her conversations with former Vice President Finn Shirley about continuing the work put in place or started by his administration, particularly regarding ADA matters.
Koerten has recently faced backlash for her campaign for president, with several SGA members from the previous administration upset that she allegedly took credit for their work. The projects in question include the 24-hour study space, the improved dining hall menu, and the leftover franchise food distribution plan. When asked to elaborate on how she contributed to these projects, Koerten responded, “One thing that is kind of the whole premise of a campaign is promoting what you want to see done on campus, what you want to see done with your administration…” Koerten went on describe having co-wrote a piece of legislation about the 24/hour study space, while also acknowledging the work that Laymon did for the project. “Anything that was said comes from a place of number one, what we want to see done on campus and number two, things that were discussed and talked about in the setting of our past administration.” She chose not to comment on the other two projects.
Over the course of last year, Laymon wrote 5 pieces of legislation, Miller wrote 2 and Koerten wrote 1. For clarification, legislation within the SGA space serves as a presentation of ideas to be voted upon by the senate, then approved or disapproved by faculty. There are few changes that can be made simply by passing legislation, with most pieces requiring a follow through of research, conversation and action. Legislation is often written and signed by groups who have all contributed to the projects they detail, but that is not a requirement.
Looking ahead at the next administration, the SGA is full of an abundance of new faces as campus saw one of the largest senator candidate pools in years. On top of this, the new execs made the decision to appoint more new faces. Several of SGA’s top contributors, many of whom have served in the organization for multiple years, were either not asked to return or chose not to return for the new administration.
When asked why these students won’t be returning to continue their work and how losing that talent will impact the university, Koerten explained, “I’m going to focus on the part about not being asked. In any of the positions that I was in the place to ask, as far as appointments go… I spent truly copious amounts of time reflecting on not only the people that I was familiar with their leadership styles, sought out guidance…I spent a lot of time making sure that the decisions I was making were with a clear, level head. People that I had a lot of faith in, that could contribute well to our administration. I have a lot of faith in the team that we’ve put together…I think that it’s going to look very new but it’s going to leave a lot of positive impact.”
“I will say this is maybe the most people that have ever ran for a senate position, maybe in the history of student government, and so the appointment process was not as simple as it normally would be…that is more voices that will be heard, more opportunities for fresh ideas for legislation. I think it’s going to be a great year,” added Miller.
As of current, the new presidential cabinet is lacking a Chief of Staff, a role that requires working closely with the president daily, but all other cabinet positions have been filled by students who are involved in Greek life. Koerten, who is also involved in Greek life, denied this being an intentional choice.
In regards to the University’s recent changes in response to DEI restraints at a national level, minority students across campus have been vocal about how these changes impact them. When asked if they have plans to aid or have conversations with these students, Koerten explained a focus on “meeting students where they are.” The execs also noted that they will begin having these conversations with students starting next year.
“The sad response is that we as a university had very little control over the DEI changes and we as student government had no control…resources are the main thing we want to lift up. It’s important to remember for the students that while names are changing and what position titles may be changing as well, resources really aren’t,” clarified Laymon.
“Communication is something that we also really value and we’ve seen absolutely understandable frustration with not understanding why certain changes are going into place, not understanding where things are coming from, and so we want to do anything in our power to not only represent the university as a student government and explain what we know coming from upper administration out toward the students so that they’re being informed but then also doing the reverse of that and making sure we are gathering as many student perspectives as we can and being able to uplift and voice those to administration…,” shared Koerten.
“…being that listening ear but also following through and not taking that lightly, because it’s a privilege to be able to talk with all of those people and be able to be that bridge…” added Miller.
On the topic of not bringing back several students to SGA, Koerten made the decision not to welcome back the recently elected president of Black Affairs, who served SGA for two years as a Justice and Chief Justice. When asked if she thinks this will affect the communication she has with that student group regarding DEI changes, Koerten responded, “I deeply value the work that she did and the example that she set for leaders coming into her position…” She noted that she does not see it being an issue.
The all-female exec team is a rarity for SGA, and when asked about how they intend to be a role model for other women, the execs responded with sentiments about having confidence and carrying themselves well.
“Like Taylor mentioned earlier, we are three, smiley, giggly girls, and we are also three incredibly empowered women that are here to get the job done,” says Koerten.
On the outgoing executive side of things, Previous President Hunter Turgeon, Vice President Finn Shirley, and Vice President of Finance and Administration Katricia Robinson reflected on the work their administration accomplished this previous year.
“It’s crazy to think about everything that’s happened,” says Turgeon. “I’ve loved it and it’s been such a privilege to do. It’s definitely changed my perspective of a lot of things but if you have the opportunity to serve in a position in SGA, I would say go for it.”
Some of the initiatives accomplished within this administration include: setting up a networking night funds, setting up the Golden Opportunity Fund, creating a donation drive and blood drive for Hurricane Helene relief, improving the emergency alert system, lifting the CSCI 1100 requirement starting with the next incoming class, end of the year textbook necessity surveys, a push for a 24/hour study space by keeping the first floor of the library open, Buc Shot expansion, pickleball court funding, opening Pepper’s, a Bucky statue, improved ADA accessibility, preserving the Pride Walk, and much more. Over the course of the year, over 50 pieces of legislation were presented.
“I think the year has been a mixture of being proactive and reactive,” says Shirley, when reflecting on his highlights of the year. “In the fall, there was a lot for us to respond to in the moment that demanded our attention, and I’m very proud of the way that we as a student government were able to come together and organize a response to things like Hurricane Helene, with providing support not only for students but the community at large.”
Robinson’s highlights fell in reference to the Buc Fund committee she oversaw. “That is probably my highlight, my Bud fund committee. They’re very hard working. It’s kind of like our own tiny little shark tank…it’s really fun. We have a great time. I love hearing student orgs, especially student organizations I’ve never heard of, come and see their work…see them really excited about something they want to do on campus…” Robinson also shared sentiments about the work her executive team has done towards opening the 24/hour study space, pickleball courts, removing CSCI 1100 and Peppers, specifically.
SGA remains an entity that is often difficult to understand for students who are not involved in it, with many procedures and strict constitutional rules in place to ensure structure. When asked if there was anything about SGA that they would like to make sure students are aware of, Turgeon explained, “I think one of the largest misconceptions is that nothing is really ever as simple as it seems…There’s so many different sides to issues and so much different input and that’s why things take so much time because you don’t want to overlook something in making a decision…Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
In the final days of the Turgeon administration, many conversations were had surrounding the structure of elections and ways in which they could be improved. Concerns mentioned included the time commitment, the use of donor funding for campaigns, abolishing the ticket system to ensure students run on their own ideas rather than with who they believe is most likely to win, social media usage, fact-checking candidates, and ensuring more fairness across the board. All execs have shown interest in creating change regarding the election structure, with Laymon noting that the current and previous Secretary of Interior, who oversee elections, are currently collaborating on ways to make those changes.
When asked if they have words of encouragement or advice for the new executive team, Shirley responded, “Just that they continue to carry on some of the specific initiatives that we worked on, but more importantly that they fulfill their duty in public service, prioritizing relationships, and at the end of the day, fighting to ensure that they are representing students and doing what is genuinely best for the student body, not just what is best for themselves. And you can quote me on that.”
Robinson encouraged them to balance confidence with humility, sharing, “I wish them the best. I hope they work hard. I’ve never seen a mixed ticket in my time at ETSU and I don’t think that’s happened in a while…It’s a privilege to be in SGA…so take advantage of the privilege, know that it’s a privilege, be confident but also be very humble and work hard.”
“I’m very excited for them,” says Turgeon, “It was a split ticket, so I think that’s going to be interesting. Something that they haven’t had to navigate in recent years…I think they have an opportunity to really influence a few things on campus. One is going to be seeing out some of these things…” Turgeon went on to describe the initiatives that began in his administration that he hopes the new execs will see out, such as the 24/hour study space, Student Life Village, and how the student app will incorporate the new emergency system. “They’re going to have just a really cool opportunity to have a lot of say on some pretty impactful things for students…”
The outgoing execs also wished to share their appreciation for the faculty that have made an impact on them along the way. Just to name just a few are Dr. Michelle Byrd, Kelvin Tarukwasha, Kari Albarado, Dr. Noland, Jeremy Ross, Joe Sherlin, and everyone involved in Student Life and Enrollment.
Note: All questions for this interview were contributed by previous SGA members, current SGA members, and unaffiliated students.
