On September 11th at 6:00 pm, Alcorn’s Student Government Association (SGA) hosted a Student Town Hall Meeting in the James L. Bolden Campus Union Ballroom to discuss and address any questions, comments, ideas and concerns that students may have had.
The SGA panel consisted of SGA President, Robert Tatum, Miss Alcorn State University 2018-2019, Moriah Batiest, Senior Class President, Casey Larry, Miss Senior, Tylea Davenport, Junior Class President, Jacobi Holt, Miss Junior, Ariel Catchings, Sophomore Class President, Patrick Mason, Miss Sophomore, Alexandrea Johnson, Freshman Class President, Lazavion Berry, Miss Freshman, Rakiya Montgomery, 1st Vice President, Tobias Conerly, Business Manager, Allison Norman, 2nd Vice President, Jay Stirgus, Executive Secretary, Lindsey Magee, RHA President, Aron Winters, Student Relations Representative, Tyric James, and International Student Representative, Bismark Amoh.
As the students gathered within the Ballroom SGA President Tatum broke down the rules and the itinerary of the meeting informing each student that a topic will be given and the opportunity for each student to elaborate would be given. The meeting was open to everyone to come out and join to discuss their concerns and ideas with their student officials. President Tatum discussed some valuable information with the audience which consisted of taking advantage of certain educational opportunities, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) and Pre-housing applications. Lindsey Magee, Executive Secretary, stated, “Events such as the Town Hall Meeting that allow students to express their concerns about our University is an essential component for our school’s success. I am thankful for the students that came out to participate, and I encourage all students to take advantage of events like these to let their voices be heard.”
The topics varied from customer service, cafeteria improvement, residential life, the current administration, student life, laundry, Wi-Fi, and housing. 1st Vice President Conerly was the spokesperson for the event and Junior Class President Holt helped pass the microphone around for each student to express their feelings. Devina Hogan, Director of Student Engagement and SGA Advisor, stated, “I appreciate the students voicing their concerns but I wished that the participation would increase at the Town Hall Meetings because it’s the only way the Institution will know and grow.”