It’s time once again for the students of UTM to choose their Senate leaders for each of the colleges and for the overall leaders of the Student Government Association.

Two political parties have emerged from the mixture of candidates this year. Those political parties are “UTM First” and “Effective Connections.”

The platform for the UTM First political party includes further strengthening student organizations. The party claims to do this by support of a student organizations coordinator, the creation of a Clement Hall Student Center and continuing the President’s Roud tables.

The second objective of the UTM First Party is promoting interactions at UTM. This goal is to be accomplished by increasing interaction between greek and non-greek organizations, strengthening interaction between students and faculty as well as between students and the community. The last objective of the UTM First Party is to reform the statewide lottery scholarship. The group plans to accomplish this by changing the credit hour cap for the lottery scholarship, allowing benefits to go directly to the students, the university and the state of Tennessee. Lastly, they will accomplish this by “cementing UTM as a leader among Tennessee universities.”

The Effective Connections Party says its goals are to build a better communications between the SGA and the Student Body, become actively involved with a diverse group of students, addressing and remedying student concerns.

This party claims to accomplish these goals by organizing an advisory council, sponsoring a link on the UTM portal, starting a mentoring program to bring students from different backgrounds together, becoming involved in Red Carpet Day, organizing a Student Success panel, aiding in upperclassmen finding scholarships, gathering input from students and working closely with all student organizations.

SGA Elections Commissioner Adam Wilson says that to vote students can go to Gooch Hall, Ellington Dorm and the University Center. To vote, students must present their Skyhawk ID. Voting will occur April 5th and 6th from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. If a runoff election is necessary it will occur April 7.

“I hope this we will have huge turnout this year to vote,” Wilson says.

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President

Tracy Baker

If I have learned one thing in college, it is this: look beyond the exterior. Too often, we allow circumstances, fear, or other people to stand in the way of what we know is within our ability to achieve. I am delighted at the prospect of being able to serve my peers as Student Body President; it will allow me to ensure that students receive all to which they are entitled by guaranteeing that the greater objectives never be forgotten. In looking beyond the exterior at UTM, I see such potential in every facet of this university. I have spent the past year working with SGA and UTM administrators as the Chief Executive Assistant to promote change and protect the integrity of this campus. I know it is my responsibility to carry out what I have learned as a leader in SGA; it will be both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Student Body President.

James Orr

My name is James Orr and I am running with the Effective Connections party for Student Government Association President. My major is secondary education with an emphasis in mathematics. I have been a part of SGA for two years. While participating in SGA, I have served as a Senator, Multicultural Affairs Committee Chairperson, and Freshmen Council President. I have also served as BSA President and Vice-President and assisted in the planning of Red Carpet Day, International Students Week, Diversity Week, Voter’s Registration Drive, and the Civil Rights Conference. I am running for president because I would like the opportunity to serve the student body. Come out and vote for me and the other members of Effective Connections party, James Orr for President, Rachel Hammond for Vice-President and Rachel Mansfield for Secretary General, and help us effectively communicate with the student body.

Vice President

Rachel Albritton

While serving the dual role of Senator for the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and Academic Affairs Committee Chair this past year, I have striven to improve UT Martin for all students. Through my work, I have formed working relationships with many administrators and faculty members, which, if elected, will prove to be beneficial in my role of Vice President. If elected, I will dedicate myself to the further improvement of the University through the platform of the UTMFirst political party, suggestions from the student body and from the administration. Throughout my two years at UT Martin, I have been very active in a variety of activities. I have always remained extremely dedicated to every organization of which I am a member, including SGA. If elected to the office of Vice President, I will completely dedicate myself to the duties of the office and the student body.

Rachel Jayne Hammond

I am a sophomore English major from Halls, Tennessee and have participated in SGA as the Communications chairperson for Freshman Council and as a senator, thus, serving the student body in a variety of ways. As Communications chairperson, I designed and drafted posters, flyers and newsletters to keep students aware of the events and legislation of SGA. As a senator, I attended meetings of Senate and my committee, always conscience of the impact of fee increases and other student concerns when casting my vote. I have chosen to run for SGA vice-president with the Effective Connections party, because I believe I have the experience and personality to be the most qualified candidate for the position. I am enthusiastic, personable, and hardworking - skills required of an officer expected to advise Freshman Council and lead senate. Vote for the Effective Connections party: James Orr, R.J. Hammond, and Rachel Mansfield.

Secretary General

Rachel Mansfield

I am a Junior Communications Major with a Minor in Spanish. This year I served as Senator for the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. After being elected, I was chosen to be the Communications Chair. This was my first year to be actively involved with SGA and I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve the students at UTM. I am very active in Greek and Non-Greek life at UTM. I am a member of AOPi and have served as Activities Chair and currently as Vice President of Recruitment. This year, I received a Greek Service Award and a nomination to join Rho Lambda. I am also an active member of PRSSA and a volunteer for United Way. The experience I have gained leads me to believe that I would be a great Secretary General. Please keep the members of Effective Connections in mind when you vote!

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College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences

Four seats vacant

Chris Cherry

My name is Chris Cherry and I am running for the office of Senator from the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. I am a 2004 graduate of Chester County High School. I am currently a freshman here at the University of Tennessee at Martin majoring in Agricultural Education. On campus, I am involved in the Collegiate FFA, Collegiate 4-H, and Gamma Beta Phi. I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve as a Senator from the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.

Jake Dunavant

I am seeking re-election as a senator for the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. I am involved in several clubs and organizations, including Student Cattlemen’s Association, collegiate FFA, and Undergraduate Alumni Council. I have learned a great deal how many of the systems on our campus operate through my first year as senator and would like to continue to help the students of the college and university as a whole.

Joshua Jones

Hello, my name is Joshua Jones. I am a sophomore here at UTM and a brother of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. I am very involved on campus as well as off. I am involved on campus through many organizations such as our Collegiate FFA, Student Cattleman’s Association, and the National Agri-Marketing Association, in which I hold the office of Vice-President. Through the years I have become involved in politics and governing bodies, this is why I am running for a senate seat. If elected I will strive to improve upon the quality of our campus and our college experience.

Anthony Lindsey

My name is Anthony “DollaBill” Lindsey. I am from Mt. Pleasant, TN where I live on a two hundred acre beef cattle farm. I am an Animal Science-Science Option and a Pre-Vet major. I have worked at a veterinarian clinic for four years and love the job. I decided to come to UT Martin because several veterinarians hold the Pre-Vet program here high in their opinions. I would like to become a Senator s I think that my experiences on the farm and at the clinic would help me in making decisions that would help the student body as a whole.

College of Business & Public Affairs

Six seats vacant

Kevin Anderson

My name is Kevin Anderson. I am running for the office of Senator for the School of Business and Public Affairs. I am a Management and Marketing double major from middle Tennessee. I have had four previous years experience in SGA and held the offices of Freshman Council Vice President, Academic Affairs Chair, Executive Assistant and Campus Observations Chair. I have always believed that if you start something, you should finish it, and this past year SGA initiated several items that I would personally like to see through to completion. I encourage everyone to get out and vote; the newly elected senate will be responsible for a lot in the year to come, so they might as well be a representation of you. Thank You.

Katie Mercuri

My name is Katie Mercuri. I am a freshman Business-Marketing major. I was born in Florida, then moved to Ohio, then moved to the middle Tennessee area to Chapel Hill. Since I have been attending Martin, I have been on the freshman council and loving every second of it. I have played intramural sports including soccer and football. I have helped plan events such as Summons of Fear, the Diversity rally and Diversity Week. I am the chair of Multi-cultural Affairs on the freshman council. This is the best learning experience for me. I want to be there to see that all students are represented in the best possible way.

Lacee North

Hi, my name is Lacee North. I am running for senator in the College of Business and Public Affairs with the Effective Connections party. I am a freshman political science major from Dyersburg, Tennessee. I am a member of Chi Omega, Gamma Beta Phi, and the Freshmen Council. I believe that being a part of these organizations has helped me to better understand the needs of students here at UTM. As a senator, I would play an active role in calling the needs of my fellow students to the attention of SGA. College is stressful so any little thing someone can do to help you solve a problem makes a big difference. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to help the students in the College of Business and Public Affairs solve any and every problem that they may have. Vote Effective Connections!

Emre Serbest

My name is Emre Serbest. I am 25 years old and originally from Turkey. I have been a student at UTM since May 2003; this is my third year. I already have a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering from Black Sea Technical University, Turkey. Right now I am working towards a second Bachelor of Science Degree in Operations Management, and am planning to graduate in Spring 2006. I also helped found the foundation of International Student Association (ISA) along with the kind help of a few fellow international students and Dr. High, here at UTM.

College of Education & Behavioral Sciences

Six seats vacant

Bonike Akinsanya

My name is Bonike Akinsanya. I graduated from Columbia Central High School in Columbia, Tennessee. I am a second semester freshman majoring in Psychology. I am currently a member of UTM’s Freshman Council and a member of the UTM Dance Ensemble. In participating in these activities, I learned skills such as leadership, dedication, and the value of hard work. I believe that being elected to the office of College of Education & Behavioral Sciences will allow me to be able to showcase my different qualities such as dependability, optimism, and motivation skills.

Kimberly Armstrong

My name is Kimberly Armstrong and I am a Freshman Human Learning K-6 major from Big Sandy, Tennessee. I have enjoyed working with Freshman Council this year, and hope to continue with SGA next fall as a member of the Senate. Through Freshman Council I have developed a basic understanding of how Student Government works, and I would like to have the opportunity to continue developing this knowledge and the chance to grow as this campus grows. This has been a very exciting year for me and I know that the next three years that I’m here will also hold exciting times. I hope that everyone makes it out to vote and if you do, please remember my name. I would really appreciate any help you could give me.

Erin Chambers

My name is Erin Chambers. I am a freshman K-3 Education major from Bartlett, TN. I am currently a member of the Student Government Association Freshman Council and serve as the Procedures Committee Chairperson. Just a few of my other leadership positions include: Resident Assistant in McCord Hall, Assistant Vice President for SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise), Red Carpet Day Committee Chairperson for BSA (Black Student Association), and a mentor for the 2005 Tennessee High School Leadership Conference. I believe that I would make an excellent addition to the Student Government Association Senate because I will work hard to influence positive change on the campus of UT Martin. If elected, I would be honored to serve as a Senator for the upcoming 2005-2006 Fall and Spring semesters.

Keely Gaylord

I am a junior Secondary Education English and French major. I have been on the Honor Roll here at UTM every semester for the past three years and have tried to be involved on campus. I am active as a sister in Alpha Omicron Pi and am getting active in STEA. I also serve as the Assistant Hall Director in Cooper Hall. I got involved with SGA as a senator last semester and have enjoyed serving the campus. I take my responsibilities as a Senator seriously and I would like to continue to serve the campus, to give of students in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences a strong advocated and voice. I also have many ideas that would benefit every student on the UTM campus. I love UTM and want to help make it the best university in the state of Tennessee.

Harrison J. Woodard

Hola Universidad de Tennessee en Martin. My name is Harrison J. Woodard. I was born in El Quiche, Guatemala. Given the opportunity, I came to United States in 1996 where I finished middle school and graduated from Maryville High School in 2002. After attending two years of college at a junior institution I transferred to UTM in the spring of 2004. I am currently a junior here at UTM and am majoring in I/O Psychology in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. After having served on the UTM-SGA Senate at Large last semester I decided I wanted to represent my college on helping make UTM a better campus for today’s and tomorrow’s students. Therefore I, Harrison, and the UTMFIRST Political Party, would be grateful of your vote on April 5th and 6th for becoming elected for Senator of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Eric Rivera

No profile submitted as of press time.

College of Engineering & Natural Sciences

Three seats vacant

Sergio Bustillo

My name is Sergio Bustillo. I lived in Honduras since I was one year old and until I was sixteen years old. My family has lived in Jackson, Tenn. for over five years. I graduated high school in 2001 from JCS. I went to school at Jackson State for two years. This is my third semester at UTM. The reason why I would like to run for the senator position in SGA is because I think that I can bring new ideas that would help improve our campus. I highly enjoyed my previous experiences in SGA in JSCC and UTM. I served one term as SGA president at JSCC and I have served on term as senator at UTM.

Rebecca Dailey

For the past year I have worked with SGA Senate, UTM Administration, and the Martin community to enhance the wellbeing of the students. I served as the Freshman Council Procedures Chair, then Freshman Council Vice President. Being elected as a Senator from the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences will enable me to work for the students of UT Martin even more. As a member of the UTM First Political Party I have a strong focus on the needs and wants of the students. Improving the interaction between student organizations and the SGA lies as a top priority for me.

Tianita Duke

My name is Tianita DeShea Duke. I am from Darden, Tennessee, which is between Lexington and Parsons, Tennessee, or on the other side of Natchez Trace Park in West Tennessee. I am a sophomore here at the University of Tennessee at Martin. I am a Biology major. I am running for the Senate seat in the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences. For the past year, I have been serving as a Senator-at-Large. I have also been working on the Procedures Committee. I have tried to be as passionate in SGA as anyone could hope to be, and I hope to be as passionate in the future.

C.W. West

No profile submitted as of press time.

College of Humanities & Fine Arts

Five seats vacant

Laura Allison Harber

My name is Laura Allison Harber, and I am running for Senator in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. I am a Junior Visual Communications major from Jackson Tennessee. I have been a member of the Student Government Association for the past three years – (Freshmen Council, and Senate for the past two years). I am involved in other clubs and organizations on campus including – Alpha Delta Pi sorority, PEP, Political Science club, SOAR Staff, and Campus Recreation (Intramurals). I have been a part of Student Government since high school. I feel that I am a good representation of the student bodies wants, and will do my best to represent the students by improving our campus for all. I have helped work on several projects within SGA that have resulted in accomplishments for UTM, and its’ students. I have enjoyed being a part of SGA and look forward to further serving the student body.

Jeremy Johnson

My name is Jeremy Johnson, and I am a sophomore Philosophy Major at UTM. A native of Martin, I have been involved in student government since high school. In my first year at UTM, I served on Freshman Council and was honored to represent the S.G.A. at the Council on Student Government Associations at Texas A & M University. In my two years here, I have developed strong relationships with administrators and faculty, and I know first hand the importance of good communication between all segments of the campus. I believe it is important to work closely with students to help create the best possible college experience. I also strongly feel that it is the responsibility of S.G.A., and myself, to take all issues concerning students of this campus to heart. Those elected to S.G.A. should care, and I do.

Lindsey Sutherland

My name is Lindsey Sutherland and I am from Martin, Tennessee. I will be classified as a junior at the end of the spring 2005 term. I am currently working toward a B.A. in English along with a minor in Political Science. I plan to attend law school after receiving my degree from UTM. I have been a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority for two years, and I will be President of the English Society at the end of the spring 2005 term. This past year I joined two organizations, the Law Society and French club, hoping to meet more diverse students with similar career goals. I am running for a senate position in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts because students associated with SGA have the resources necessary to make policy changes on the UT Martin campus.

Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.) & UT New College

One seat vacant

Ryan Mouser

As a senior Bachelor of University Studies major, I would like the opportunity to work for the UT Martin campus and the New College Program. Becoming a part of SGA will enable me not only to represent students in my college but also enhance the college experience for students at UTM.