SGA appoints new president, VP for Spring Semester

In November, Brian Sullivan, Austin senior, was appointed, unanimously confirmed and then sworn in to serve as thestudent sody vice-president, filling the vacancy left by Luke Bullock's resignation. Bullock resigned in order to take a semester of study in Austin on a legislative internship. On Dec. 8, just a few weeks into his appointment, Sullivan was called to assume the duties as the chief executive when Kent Willis announced his resignation as student body president.

Sullivan has previously served in SGA as executive chief of staff, in which he led the first-ever Presidential Cabinet. He also brings diverse experience to the presidency with his involvement in activities including Greek Life, the Honors program and mentoring organizations. Sullivan has had working relationships with local leaders and University administration in his years at SFA, which he sees as valuable to the effectiveness of Student Government.

"As student body president, it is important to be engaged with University officials and local leaders so that SGA can spread its breadth and make change from the top," Sullivan said. "Student Government's duty is to be the voice of the students, and I intend to have that voice heard through all channels possible."

In Student Government's 2009 Visioning Conference, held during the Winter Break, Sullivan formally appointed Gezim "Zimmy" Bajrami, Houston senior, to serve as vice president. On Jan. 9, Bajrami was unanimously confirmed by the Student Senate and sworn in. He, too, brings high credentials and a quality perspective to Student Government, Sullivan said.

Bajrami said, "It is an honor to serve the students. I feel that my principle responsibility is to be accountable not only to the entire student body, but to SGA itself. Brian and I have already begun working hard to bring that notion to fruition."

As for Sullivan's priorities as president, he said, "I feel that being the voice of the students does not stop merely at being elected or appointed by our peers. In order for SGA members and I to be engaged with students, we must be active in engaging them. My top priority will be to make sure that we are reaching out to our fellow students, which is a sure benefit to all. This will help brand SGA as concerned and accountable, as well as give us increased credibility with University officials who must know that when we speak, we truly do speak the voice of the students."

The Student Government Association will hold its first Monday event today outside the Student Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students are encouraged to visit with SGA members, talk about issues on campus and ask questions. For further questions or concerns, contact the SGA by visiting their office in the PSC Room 2.402, visit their website at www.sfastudentgov.org or reach them by phone at (936) 468-3500.

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