by Melody Gustafson
EAST LIVERPOOL -- Student government is back at both Columbiana County Kent State regional campuses, but down on the river the election and coordination of officers has been a bumpy ride on a twisted road.
East Liverpool nursing student Richard Potts was elected president in May, and Shalonda Respress won the vice-presidential slot. At their first meeting in August, the remaining offices were filled by runners-up from the presidential race. At that time, Callen Owens was appointed secretary of correspondence, Amanda Webb treasurer, and Jamie Walko secretary, but Walko immediately declined the position.
When Potts failed to register for classes in the fall, the presidency automatically went to Respress, but she resigned her post, citing too heavy a workload. Webb was surprised to discover that she had been appointed treasurer—an appointment she was unaware of until last week.
In declining the treasurer’s position, Webb said, “I was not contacted, and I’m not going to accept a position that I don’t feel I can effectively fulfill for the student body.”
In the end, the only person left standing was Callen Owens, who has become the de facto president. Speaking before students last spring, he vowed to “get this place pumping…and get some blood in the system,” but Owens has yet to respond to requests for an interview regarding his plans.
“The first order of business is to find others to fill the positions," said Anthony Underwood, director of enrollment management and student services at both county campuses. "The current government cannot move forward [without officers]."
Anyone interested in becoming involved with East Liverpool Campus student government can contact staff adviser Sarah Motts at smotts@kent.edu or make an appointment with the receptionist to see her.
In contrast, Salem hit the ground running with Lutian Clewell as President of the Student Government Organization (SGO). He heads regular meetings every Wednesday at 4 p.m. room 135.
Along with Vice-President Nang See, Secretary Heather Grunden, Treasurer Kyle Kaiser, and Historian Josh Sevcik, Clewell wants to surpass last year’s active membership of 24 people and create a functioning student senate. In this system, a representative from each university-recognized club will participate in the meetings, voting on relevant issues.
They plan to create a link on Flashline to make it easier to connect with SGO and clubs. This group is going to throw the “best Honor’s Banquet ever” in the spring of 2008. Anyone who wants to be involved in student government at the KSU Salem Campus can attend the SGO meeting or contact a member. There is an office in the snack lounge.
