SGA President Maria Nachaeva was re-elected and several fee increases passed following the SGA spring elections from Monday, March 23, through Wednesday, March 25.
More than 2,000 students participated in the Student Government Association’s recent election – the highest turnout since 2020.
Maria Nechaeva was elected to a second term as president and expressed how thankful she was for the students who voted for her.
Nechaeva said, “My objective is going to be exactly what I promised students – keeping up the momentum. This is a huge role for me, and I am grateful they believe in me. I’m thankful for the votes and I’m excited. The work begins today.”
All five proposed fee increases were approved with more than 50% of the vote.
The Recreational Sports and Wellness Center received a $20 fee increase.
“We are so happy and so relieved,” said Eric Aymond, director of the Recreational Sports and Wellness Center. “It’s been a long process. We’re so happy to see all our efforts finally come to fruition. My student workers and professional staff have spent so much time on this, and I’m proud of everything they’ve put into it. We’re thankful for the students who voted for us.”
SLU Athletics received a $25 fee increase, which they said will help enhance the game-day experience, support student-athletes and expand student engagement.
The spirit groups fee also passed, increasing by $9 to help the cheerleaders and Lionettes.
The Lion Traxx fee passed with a $13 increase. Gary Prescott, the director of Transportation Services, discussed students’ opinions.
“I think it’s a great thing for our students that they were able to voice their opinions. They showed they want to see improvements to transit routes and transportation on campus. This is going to be great,” Prescott said.
The Campus Activities Board received a $3 fee increase, providing more funding for annual traditions such as Gumbo Ya Ya and Strawberry Jubilee.
In addition to referendums, students voted for vice president, chief justice, senators and a pair of referendums.
One of the first referendums passed was a revision to Article III, Section 2, adding a position to the executive cabinet.
A second referendum to revise Article III, Section 4, also passed. The change provides each branch with equal authority over its respective responsibilities.
Kaleb Melancon was elected vice president. He said his first priority is strengthening the Senate and expanding outreach to larger student organizations.
“I want to start by building a strong Senate and then use that to connect with larger organizations such as Greek life. I appreciate the support from students, and I want to show that by following through on what I said as soon as possible,” Melancon said.
Rejoice Adewale was elected chief justice. She said addressing parking concerns and improving communication will be a priority.
“We are going to look at parking and how we can explain policies better to students and residents so they understand the rules. If we need better signage or clearer distinctions between parking zones, we’re going to do that,” Adewale said.
The following students were elected to the SGA Senate:
Senator at large: Jennifer Colliflower
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Presley McGraw
- Amaiyah Griffin
- Charlie Stewart
- Keara Jade
- Stephanie DeVeaux
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
- Rosalinda Medina
College of Nursing
- Bryleigh Elwin
