SGA welcomes five new members

Troy University’s Student Government Association welcomed five new officers to the 70th University Senate. Four senate seats and the vice president of campus affairs seat were vacant going into the semester.  

The election took place on August 27. Students were asked to vote in their student emails for the five available positions. 

“I have never been one to be in a role that I had to campaign,” said Greek District Housing Seat Officer Ethan Waters, a sophomore risk management and insurance major from Enterprise, Alabama. “It’s definitely a full plate, but I’ve learned the importance of staying organized and prioritizing what matters most.” 

Along with Waters, the vice president of campus affairs seat was won by Abby Gilliland. The College of Health Sciences seat was taken by Tyrin Freeman, and two East district housing senate seats were taken by Isabella Stevens and Tremayne Chapman Jr. 

“I wanted to make a difference and help the community,” said Stevens, a freshman anthropology and accelerated law major from Auburn, Alabama. “I have to get a feel and see the groundwork before I can just start changing things. 

“To learn is to make mistakes, and to grow from them.” 

With the newly elected officers, SGA now has seats filled to represent the student population and each college at the university. 

“I just want people to know that I’m here to listen and advocate,” Waters said. “I’m excited to represent our community and to make meaningfully progress during my time in this role.” 

Each officer has different reasons for campaigning, and with that comes different stories for each campaign and how it was executed. 

“I decided to run for the Greek district housing seat because I want to be a voice for Greek life,” Waters said. “The support and encouragement from my Farmhouse brothers definitely played a big role in that decision. 

“They’ve always emphasized leadership, service and brotherhood.” 

Stevens reflected on flexing her creative muscles for her campaign, going with a jellyfish theme. She explained how it related to the university. 

“I knew I had to make it pop,’ Stevens said. “Jellyfish are older than dinosaurs, thusly making it a perfect representation of how Troy should remain strong and adaptive to the times.” 

The 99th Presidential cabinet has already been formed for the 2025-2026 school year. SGA has said on their social media that the cabinet is already putting in the work for this year. 

To find out the senate representative for a specific college, check the Troy University SGA social media or website.