Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly quoted Donte Reed as “but I’m the only one to do it…”, the quote has since been fixed. The Herald regrets this error.

The WKU Student Government Association met Tuesday night for the 13th meeting of the 23rd Senate, swearing in new board members and announcing the opening of spring scholarship opportunities.

Student Body President Sam Kurtz announced the resignation of Chief of Staff Lindsey Kelly, leaving the position vacant. Kurtz also announced the resignation of Donte Reed, director of enrollment and student experience, leaving the position vacant.

Kurtz nominated Reed as Chief of Staff.

“I’ve been in the SGA Executive Cabinet for a year and a half now, I know the ins and outs of the executive cabinet,” Reed. “If you know me, you know that I give 110% to anything that I touch, because that’s the only way to do it and I’ll continue to do it if I’m approved as Chief of Staff.”

With a one-sided debate, Reed was approved as Chief of Staff.

Kurtz nominated Sarah Vincent as the new Director of Enrollment and Student Activities.

“This position is so much more than just scholarships,” Vincent said. “It’s really about improving the livelihood of our students in whatever way we can. That’s been a personal goal of mine ever since I was elected to SGA.”

With a one-sided debate, Vincent was approved as Director of Enrollment and Student Activities.

There was a vacancy in the Transfer/Non-Traditional Senator seat, and Kurtz nominated sophomore Sawyer Edmonds to fill the seat. Edmonds served in the United States Air Force before attending WKU.

“I’m associated with the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity and I’d like to get more involved on this campus,” Edmonds said. “I’m not coming into college straight out of high school, I spent about a year with the Air Force before I came here to now remain with the Air Force as a traditional full time student.”

With a one-sided debate, Edmonds was approved to fill the Transfer/Non-Traditional Senator seat.

The sophomore senator seat was also vacant and Kurtz appointed sophomore Gabe Jerdon to fill the seat.

“I’m super hard working and a driven student and I care about this campus and the people here,” Jerdon said. “I’m someone who would not be on campus if it weren’t for scholarships. It can be a big game changer for people.”

With a one-sided debate, Jerdon was approved to fill the sophomore senator seat.

Kurtz nominated Elizabeth Gannon to fill the position of graduate senator. Gannon graduated from WKU in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minored in Asian Religions and Culture. Gannon hopes to improve the lives of graduate students through their commitment to different academics.

With a one-sided debate, Gannon was approved for the position of graduate senator.

Reed, Vincent, Edmonds, Jerdon and Gannon were officially sworn into their respective positions.

In addition to the swearing in of officers, SGA announced its spring scholarships are now open and are available on their website.

“Our scholarship is now open and can be found on the website and spread the word to those that are attending WKU next year,” SGA Community Relations, Mariah Cisco, said.

Scholarships have various deadlines and more information can be found on the SGA website.

News Reporter Maggie Phelps can be reached at [email protected]