SGA President England reflects on experience

From senator to chairwoman to president, Elizabeth England has faithfully served the student body through Student Government over the past three years. 

Now, with graduation in May, England, a senior political science major, reflects on her time in office and the legacy she leaves behind.

Q: What motivated you to get involved in student government?

“I heard about bills that senators were writing my freshman year, and going into sophomore year, I decided that I wanted to join to learn more about the legislative process and to make a positive impact in change on campus.”

Q: What were the biggest wins for the student body this year?

“Being able to work so closely with President Faulkner and his team to give input into The Hub, the First Year Plan, and the Masterplan was a major win. Having student input as a part of each of these things allows for students to know that the money they’re putting into CSU will be used for things that they both want and need.”

Q: What challenges did you and the student government face, and how did you navigate them?

“There’re always issues each year, but nothing we can’t overcome. The biggest issue is picking what legislation to write as bills and what to write as recommendations, and then personally signing off on legislation. It’s always a hard thing for me to veto a bill if it’s not going to be implemented, but ultimately, sometimes those vetoes and then rewriting a bill can change the future outcome for good.”

Q: What did you learn about leadership as student body president?

“I learned how important it is to be connected to those that I’m serving. It’s my job to ensure that the needs of the students are being met and to be a voice for students who have concerns or are having issues. I learned to be patient and wise in my answers. It’s always best to go back and get more information before giving a response.”

Q: What initiative or event are you the most proud of this year?

“I’m incredibly [proud] of Midnight Breakfast and our Town Halls! Midnight Breakfast is a staple event for students, and it’s the best time to gather together and fellowship before testing. Town Halls was great because we were able to have direct conversations between President Faulkner and students!”

Q: How important was student feedback to you?

“Student feedback is vital to my role. It’s my job to be a voice for students and to be a liaison between students/SGA and administration. If I didn’t have feedback, I wouldn’t have a purpose.”

Q: What advice would you give to the next student body president?

“To stay true to your purpose, always remember that you’re serving the students, and that’s what it’s about, and to use your platform to help progress CSU into an even better student experience.”

Q: What do you hope the legacy of this year’s student government will be?

“I hope that this year’s SGA will show a better connection between students and SGA overall. More awareness of what SGA does and how we serve students. And show better communication between administration and SGA/students.”

Q: What are your plans for your future?

“I will be spending my summer working for Camp Lochearn in Vermont for the fourth summer before I head to Orlando to be a part of the Disney College Program from September to February! Then we’ll see where the Lord takes me!”

Candidates for next semester’s SGA Executive positions will campaign until April 17, when voting will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the chapel.

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