The Homecoming Queen election will be held on Wednesday in the UC and in Gooch Hall between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Student Government Association will preside over the elections. There are eight women running for Homecoming Queen this year.

The top five women from Wednesday’s elections will be on the Homecoming Court. Then on Thursday, there will be a run-off election between the top two women. That election will also be held in the UC and in Gooch Hall.

In order to be eligible to run in either election, the women must be in good academic standing as well as disciplinary standing with UTM. Also, they must be nominated to run by a registered student organization on campus.

Courtney Brackeen, nominated by Sigma Alpha, is a sophomore Animal Science major with a concentration in science, which is similar to the pre-veterinary program. Brackeen is from Camden.

She has been a member of Sigma Alpha since last fall where she serves on the community service committee. She is also involved in the Student Activities Council as the Assistant Gameroom Chair and serves as the co-executive chair of the LeBonheur Marathon.

Megan Dempsey is representing Tri-Beta, a biology honor society. She is from Columbia and is a senior Biology major with an emphasis on cell and molecular biology. Dempsey plans on attending dental school next fall. She plays both soccer and softball for UTM.

“My main goal in running for Homecoming Queen is to try and persuade more students to get involved in the voting process. I love being a Skyhawk, and I am so proud of our football team this year. Hopefully through my example other students will see that it is possible to follow your dreams of being a collegiate athlete and to also excel in the classroom,” said Dempsey.

Suha Haddad is a senior Finance major from Martin. She is representing Alpha Omicron Pi of which she has been a member for four years and held leadership positions. Haddad has also been involved in many other campus organizations including Phi Chi Theta, National Panhellenic Council Recruitment Chair, and Sigma Rho Chi.

“Growing up in Martin I have participated in Homecoming my entire life. Knowing this year I will represent the school is an honor to me. I have always seen the ladies of the Homecoming court as leaders of the university,” said Haddad.

Jamie Harper is representing the sorority Alpha Delta Pi. She is an Elementary Education major from Springfield. Harper’s accomplishments on campus include STEA, FFA, UAC, SOAR Staff, and Sigma Rho Chi.

“I feel like I am a great representative of this university and I am honored not only to serve as a representive of my sorority, but also for UTM,” said Harper.

Representing Chi Omega is Lacey Hipps. She is a senior Nursing major from Cordova. She is also involved in campus activities such as serving as a Garnet Girl. “As a senior, I am honored to not only represent my sorority, but a university that has allowed me to meet new people and excel in my major while offering challenging opportunities everyday. I am running for Homecoming queen because I want to represent UT Martin for everything it means to me!”

Sierra Marshall is representing the Black Student Association. She is from Memphis and is involved in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “I am running for Homecoming Queen with the desire to help improve and encourage student activity and participation.” Burena Smith is representing UTM Athletic Training Society on the ballot. Smith comes to UTM from Germany. She is a junior Athletic Training major.

“I am a well rounded young adult and enjoy my life here at UTM. I show my support for our school’s athletes at the many events that I attend. Go UTM! I love it, I love it, I love it!”

Representing Zeta Tau Alpha is Sarah Beth Stooksberry. She is a senior Communications major from Martin. Her accomplishments include Women in Communications, PRSSA, Student Activities Council and Sigma Rho Chi.

“I love UTM! I want to be part of its history. I already have my clubs, organizations, and members but it is just different and special to be on the Homecoming Court,” said Stooksberry.

“I am excited about this year’s homecoming elections. The young ladies are exceptional and they would all make a good Homecoming queen. This group makes me wish that more than one person could win. I wish them and their organization the best of luck,” said SGA President James Orr.

Voting will take place Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Gooch Hall and the UC.

For more information call the SGA office at 881-7785.