Student Government Association

Luciano Alvarado

Criminal Justice Club, UNC Pembroke College Republicans, Muslim Student Association, Political Science Cub, Chemistry Club, Student Government Association.

"I want to meet more people and make changes to better the student body's experience while attending school at UNCP. I have a great deal of experience with collaborative organizations, overseeing meetings, organizing events and fundraising. I am a good listener and mediator, and I am able to communicate with and motivate all types of people. I always do my best to think about other people before me, and that is why I am interested in becoming a member of student government."

“There are 10 reasons that will make me an ideal candidate, which are; Networking, Social Skills, Professional experience, Personality development, Leadership Skills, Alumni Networking, Organization, Management Skills, Friendships, and Fun.”

This year in SGA, I would like to see a vast variety of people involved in SGA and other student organizations around campus. It would help to have very diverse groups because opportunities to get different prespectives from different ethnic groups is helpful when making statistics, organizing events, and when deciding whether something is beneficial to different people. I would also like to see more opportunities for students to receive help and structure to keep grades up. Although there are tutors and supplimental instructors on campus to help students with work, I don't really see any primary motivations for students to do well. Yes, we are all adults responsible for our own actions, but no one in the world has ever gotten anywhere without a little push or a few words of inspiration. As a community service type of thing, I would like to see our Student Government Association reach out to Student Government Associations at local high schools and even some of the previous high schools of SGA members. Lastly, I think it would be creative and beneficial if we connected with Student Government Associations of the other 15 schools within the North Carolina State School System.

Emily Ashley

Current SGA Secretary, SGA Senator, Leadership Living Learning Community, Sigma Sigma Sigma (Honor Council Chairman)

“I have always loved representing the students around me. I want to be able to make a difference where I am, and I hope to be able to make the students here at UNCP have a more enjoyable college experience. Everybody has opinions, some are just less likely than others to voice them. I have always enjoyed being involved in my school and I always want to make a positive impact where I am, and being in SGA is the perfect way to do that. I want to make sure that students at UNCP know what is going on at their school and are aware of the programs and services that are available for them, and also know what they're paying. It's important for the relationship between the University and the students to be as transparent as possible, and I want to help create that transparency by being in SGA.”

“I have been dedicated to Student Government at UNCP since my freshmen year. I think I obtain the best qualities that an SGA representative should have, which is the dedication and love for my students. I truly want every student at UNCP to have the best experience they can have, and I think SGA had an obligation to help make that happen. When I am put into a position of leadership, I will not back down from my responsibilities. Since I have been in positions of leadership in more than one organization, I have not been able to put myself 100% into SGA this year. If elected President, I will be completely dedicated to SGA and through that dedication, I will work to get done everything I need to do. I also think a good attribute that I have for a leader in SGA is the willingness to ask for help and give responsibilities to other people. A good leader will let others led as well and sometimes needs to follow. As a leader in SGA, it's important to have other members help in events and taking on responsibilities, as well as yourself. I will be sure to keep everyone up to date on what the executives are planning and be sure that all members of SGA are involved in what is going on."

For the upcoming year, Jessica Collier and I have discussed both broad goals that will take more time to improve, and goals that are more specific and can be done more like a checklist. For one of our broad goals, we want to work with the Board of Trustees on keeping student tuition and fees understood and clear to students. As I mentioned before, I think a really important thing that more students know what they're paying for and understand the functions of what their money is going to. For more specific goals, we want to continue advocating for the student section and create a banner to help increase school spirit. I want to make sports a bigger aspect of UNCP and help get students more excited about student life and sports. We want to work to expand to-go options in the cafeteria, allowing students to have more choices. Many students have been complaining of the to-go options being too limited. We also want to light up the parking lot better between Jacobs Hall and the University Center a little more to create a safer environment in that area. We want to create a portion of student fees that go directly to graduate students, so the graduate students are more involved and engaged in campus life and aren't paying for things they never use. We want SGA to continue assisting in the career etiquette dinner because I think it is really important for students to participant in this experience. We want to find more sources of outside revenue for SGA to help students thrive, mainly applying for more ASG grants. We are starting it now, but we want to continue to push gender-neutral housing on campus to make sure every student on campus is in a comfortable living situation. Work with NCDOT to develop better crossing and traffic options on Prospect Road, and work with the Jones Center to make the on-campus gym more accessible to students and less crowded with non-student members. Jessica Collier and I are currently writing a resolution to resolve the gym issue.”

Mason Allen

Supplementary Instruction, Student Government Association, PRSSA

“I like to be a part of SGA because it gives me a chance to help student to better enjoy college and to have a say so in administration. Every voice deserves to be heard!”

“I am not one who will aimlessly lead. I believe sometimes the best way to lead is to take the rear. I am also an honest person, a loyal person, and a caring person. I want the best for everyone at UNCP.”

“I would like SGA to connect better with the students and keep them involved. As Vice President, I would also like to focus on improving faculty on the campus. These students sacrifice a lot of time and money for their schooling and they deserve the best!”

Jessica Collier

SGA Senator, SGA Pro Tempore, Kappa Delta Sorority, SGA Senator, Site Leader - Martin Luther King Day of Service, Special Needs Day participant

“I want to continue to be a part of SGA so that I can continue to work on improving most if not all of the students concerns.  I want to help safe guard student fees, as well as help bridge the communication between faculty and students. I enjoy representing student opinions, as well as helping address the campus needs.”

“I believe I poses many qualities which make me an ideal candidate for the Student Government; one of which being my experience from previous years in SGA.  I am also an active member in other organizations on campus therefore I am aware of issues as well as events that take place at this school. I am very approachable and an understanding person to anyone that I work with. I have the ability to adapt to change and act responsibly.  I have strong communication skills which make me an ideal candidate for Vice President seeing as I am not shy I can run the meetings with no fear of public speaking.  I have ambition, if i start a project I intend to finish it.  I am very punctual and professional.  I can work cooperatively and can come to an agreement, therefore I am not a bias person I tend to evaluate both sides of an issue before coming to a final decision.  I am very patient, I am very rarely stressed and when I do I handle it personally and do not involve others.  I believe all of these are skills and qualities that I poses that are necessary to be a candidate for the Student Government.”

“My first major goal in the coming year is work with the Board of Trustees on keeping student fees and tuition understood and clear to students.  I believe that this is a major concern that students seem to have each year and by creating and implementing a Student Fees Advisory Board in the coming year will eliminate and confusion students have on this issue.  By making this issue understood by students it will improve the students satisfactory and increase retention rates at the school. My second major goal is to work with state legislatures on University funding and need based aid.  I also have many more specific goals that I intend to accomplish in the coming year some of which include; continue advocating for the student section and create a banner to help increase school spirit.  This will draw in students to all athletic events and improve the schools spirit.  Another goal is to expand to-go food choices in the cafe, allowing students to have more options.  By having more options at the to-go food I hope more off-campus students will be interested in getting a meal plan. Third I plan to resolve in the coming year more campus lighting, especially around the Jacobs Hall and the University Center, to increase campus safety around this section of campus.  Another goal for SGA is that we continue assisting the career etiquette dinner, this is a great opportunity for students to learn, and participate in a professional business setting. This will allow students to develop skills needed for their possible future workplace and SGA should continue this each year.  I plan to find more sources of outside revenue to help students thrive one of which is looking into more ASG grants.  My next goal is to push gender-neutral housing on campus.  This is something other campuses have implemented and I believe students at UNCP may benefit from this, especially those of which whom are handicap.  Students with disabilities may feel more comfortable living with another disabled student with similar issues however often times they are of the opposite sex and prohibited against living with each other therefore having gender neutral house would benefit these students.  Another major goal I intend to work on is contacting NCDOT to propose and review alternative crossing and traffic options on the busy prospect road.  This can reduce the numerous students J-Walking and the dangerous car accidents that occur in this location.  Lastly I hope to work with the Jones Center to make the on-campus gym more accessible and less crowded with non-student members.  Blocking off a 2hr time period to allow only students to use the gym will cut back on the over crowding and open up machines to reduce the wait.  Non-student members will be aware of this change when their contract is renewed and they will have plenty of time to workout in the gym.”

Carson Cone

Accounting Students Association, Chancellors Ambassador, Honor’s College Counsel (Junior Class Representative), Resident Adviser, School of Business Student Advisory Board, SGA Treasurer, SGA Student of the Month Chair, Supplemental Instruction Leader, University Marshal

“I would like to be a part of SGA so that I may fully utilize my voice in effort to assist the University in ensuring a quality experience for all on campus.”

“My experience on campus (provided above) has helped provide me with the communication, organization, and leadership skills necessary to be an effective member of SGA.”

To assist the student body with issues that strongly impact them, for instance by helping to further coordinate meal plan reformation and continuing to maintain a balanced budget.

Edgar Guzman

Not specified

Not specified

“The experience that I would be able to gain by joining this organization would be applicable outside of school in order to shape and sharpen my leadership skills. This opportunity will better help me see the way the SGA helps our community and school through their work as an organization for students of students.”

“My leadership qualities will be a great asset to Student Government because I am critical thinker and tend to work well with individuals trying to achieve a common goal.”

“This year I would like to see that we are able to find ways to decrease waste when it comes to fiances. There has to be more efficient and effective in the ways to run our campus that will lead students to have more organizations and activities created.”

Lester Arnold

Brave Educator Advocating for Diversity (B.E.A.D.) Program, Gay Students and Allies, Media Secretary, SGA

“I would like to continue with further developing my leadership skills and help the students opinions be heard.”

“I've been in many leadership programs throughout my education. I'm very organized and good at building relationships with people I meet.”

“Continue with creating a better environment for students to excel with their education.”

Biruk Kassaw

M.A.D.E.

“I want to make a big difference on my campus and I also want to use my time wisely to benefit myself and others.”

“I'm a leader and confident. I listen to student concerns and am open-minded. I’m a team player.”

“To solve some issues relating to the cleanliness of the dining hall and to also solve issues concerning the food being served.”

Tanner O’quin

Business

Phi Delta Theta, Student Government Association

“To ensure decisions made from the organization reflect that of which is in the best interest of the student body.”

“Leadership, understanding, persuasiveness, and approachable.”

“To make important decisions regarding the future of the school rather than wasting time on insignificant debates.”

Jamal Quick

Student Government Association

“Leadership is very important to me so I feel by me taking part in SGA I will be able to lead other students on campus through involvement and just by taking I am build of my leadership skills as an individual.”

“My leadership skills, the ability to interact and communicate effectively with others in addition to my outgoing personality, creativity, and eagerness to help others. Also my strong work ethics, as well my time and service to SGA.”

“To be more aware and involve of what is going within SGA, as well as the needs outside SGA and the student body.”

Elizabeth White

Student Government Association (SGA), Leadership LLC, Honors College, Association of Campus Entertainment (ACE), & Kappa Delta Sorority.

“I have been a part of SGA since my freshman year and I believe that it is headed in a positive direction. We have so much more we are capable of and I enjoy serving on the Executive Board as a Committee Head.”

“I have great communication skills and I can practice controversy with civility. I work well with others and I recently attended COSGA and sat in workshops that helped me better understand SGA and inquire on new ideas that I would love to see implemented in the upcoming school year.”

“I hope to implement some of the ideas we learned at COSGA. I also hope to do more with UCR and visit the Ronald McDonald House twice per semester. I hope to become more involved as a group and altogether help support the many organizations we have here at UNCP.

Cierra Harris

Not specified

Student Government Association. I plan to get more involved with activities on campus such as Greek life and NAACP.

“I want to be a part of SGA because of what it embodies. I think leadership never goes out of style. I want to be a sophomore senator this upcoming school year that helps the student body. I want my fellow peers to be involve and engage in all UNCP has to offer. I want that opportunity to be a role model and bridge that gap or them!”

“I think I possess great skills that I could bring to SGA. I am a team player. In SGA I know it’s a group effort to accomplish goals. I am very creative. I think creativity goes a long way in working in a group or committee. Lastly, I am social. I never meet a stranger, which is a great skill working with people where you have to communicate and be active to get things done.”

“My goal for SGA are simple, I would love for us to reach out to our student body a lot more. I know saying this is easier said than done, but I feel SGA can do a lot more involvement roles next year. I also want more students to join or support the student government and our agenda.”

Sean Hernandez

Computer Science

Not specified

“I want to involve myself in enhancing the students and my own experience in college. I want to start making an impact by joining different student organization such as SGA. Once I learned the benefits SGA can bring to the campus I knew this was a good first step.”

“I have many qualities and skills to apply to the SGA board. I work toward my goals and don't give up at the first hint of failure. I enjoy working on the advancement of organization big or small. I am easily motivated and would apply myself to any cause worth putting work into. In that case I do not necessarily make a big deal of small operations that require little cooperation. For these small situations I am able to come up with easy and obtainable outcomes that save time and resources. I am easy going, but I am focus on what I do and I do not take negativity lightly, so I am not taking no for an answer. To sum up everything I am hard working, simple, problem solver, and I will not take no for an answer.”

“I will like to bring SGA up from the ground. Like in most schools most student organization or clubs go unnoticed. I want the students of UNCP to know that the SGA is her to help. For example more events, suggestion boxes, or community out reach just to name a few. One of my goals if I am elected for SGA would be to one day walk outside my room and be approached by a fellow student and them thanking our organization for what we work hard and dearly for.”

Raymond Hunt

Leadership Living Learning Community (LLC)

“I'm very interested in student government since I was in high school and I would like to continue this plan through my college years. On top of that, I also enjoying seeking ways to help improve the campus and I feel that I would be a very valuable member if given the chance.”

“I've gone through my high school years as a leader whether it was in Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps or if it was in other organizations or sports such as Cross Country or Soccer. I'm an excellent critical thinker who focuses on getting the job done as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

“To become an active member who is able to help around the campus and help the organization make a name for itself. I want to be able to have people lining up to join our organization thanks to all the help we do for the campus and the community around it.”

Nehamiah Johnson

ENACTUS (formerly SIFE)

“I want to be apart of SGA because it I can be apart of something bugger than an just me.  SGA will give me a say in how UNCP regulates and doing it with having fun.”

“I am observant to the students and know what we want.”

“To be more known on campus and make UNCP a place someone wants to go to school.”

Aaron Kotay

Not specified

“I want to be part of an organization that help other students around campus. When something is wrong or a problem has occurred, I want students to be able to talk to me so I can help fix the problem or make it better. Students always complain about issues around school, so if I join SGA I will try making those complaints stop.”

“I an trust worthy and dependable. If something needs to get done you can count on me to get it done and i will try to do it as soon as possible. I also know how to talk to people and be on time. I love helping people and giving back to the community.”

“To help students feel better about being at UNCP by knowing that their problems are getting looked into. I would also like to get people to know more about SGA, to spread word that SGA is making everything come true and to make a better environment for them. Finally, I would like to increase the amount of students involved in SGA.”

Candace Locklear

Health Careers Access Program and American Indians in Science and Engineering (AISES), Student Government Association

“I want to be a part of SGA because it will enable me to not only learn more about leadership and how it plays a great role in a population of people, but it also will give me a voice for my people, Native Americans. Currently, I am the only active senator that is Native American and with this school being built by Native Americans, I think it is important that I represent them.”

“I am a dedicated person and I will make it to every SGA meeting that I can possibly make it to. I have great leadership skills. For example, when working in groups I am the type of person that will get things done and make sure people do their part as well in a very tactful way.”

“My goal is to try to attend more SGA events if class does not interfere and help get more information out about SGA to the student body, especially Native Americans since I am the only active Native American member in the association. I also hope to help better UNCP in any way possible.”

Merveille Mapuku

Not specified

African Student Organization, AWARE, Student Government Association

“I want to be the voice of students.”

“I have a good GPA,  i'll do anything to the best of my ability to meet the students' need.”

“To do the things that we weren't able to do throughout the year. Have more events in order to get SGA name out there.”

Antonio Reid

Student Government Association

"To finish the job."

"I am hard working."

"I am going to continue to work hard. I hope to make SGA more efficient and effective."

Marshall Williams

Association of Campus Entertainment, Association of Nursing Students, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Baptist Campus Ministry, Student Government Association

“Being a part SGA meant being active in student rights and welfare which is an interest for me. I want to continue my involvement in SGA so I could continue using my leadership skills to best serve the students, faculty, and staff at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.”

“My overall ability involves a combination of my leadership skills and my skill of being out going. I am very social and can easily connect with everybody in the UNCP community. I have the ability to fully represent almost everybody fully at UNCP with conviction and strength.”

“Major goals I plan for SGA is to fully represent and please the students of UNCP. Students make a majority of campus and should be served with the best of SGA's ability. With me as a sophomore senate, I will carry out those plans gracefully.”