SGA president highlights successes of 2017-18

To cap an exciting 2017-18 academic year, Student Government Association (SGA) President Julianna Stanley had the honor of introducing keynote speaker U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine at Radford University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 5.

But Stanley’s first year as president was filled with much more than formal introductions and spectacular events. Stanley, a rising senior from Williamsburg, and her SGA team hit the ground running, advocating for positive change and programming that will benefit all Radford University students.

So successful, Stanley, who is majoring in mass communication with a concentration in public relations, was re-elected SGA president this spring and will return to that post this fall.

This summer, she’s reflecting, brainstorming and eagerly anticipating another active and inspiring academic year.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment this year as SGA president?

My greatest accomplishment would be co-chairing the *Unity Fest Committee. Jessi Wollmann, the former student representative to the Radford University Board of Visitors, and I expanded student representation on the committee. I think I am most proud of that and the work that went into planning Unity Fest itself. Next year, Unity Fest will have a budget line. That was made possible by the Student Finance Committee.

*The second annual Unity Fest was held in the Dedmon Center on April 7. The event is designed to unify the campus and surrounding communities. Representatives from several different student organizations brought together a diverse mix of activities for all ages to enjoy.

What would you say are some SGA highlights from the 2017-18 academic year?

• The Recreation and Wellness Apparel Act: now students are allowed to wear tank tops at the gym.
• The Bags to Benches Program that was brought to campus by our sustainability team, which has been very successful.
• The ID Resolution that puts the University Police number on the back of campus IDs, starting in the fall of 2018.
• The Mental Health Awareness Resolution was passed this year. We have partnered with counseling services to provide workshops to students on how to recognize the signs of suicide.
• All the SGA members put in a lot of work and collaborated throughout the year to have successful legislation and events for the student body. I am so proud of the members.

What are you looking forward to next year within the SGA?

I am looking forward to continuing to gather student opinion and making a difference on campus. I am so excited to see what our members will accomplish next year. I am ready to build upon what we have accomplished this past year.