An election for the Class of 2028 to pick two freshman senators to represent them in the Student Government Association (SGA) occurred earlier this week.

Kade Gambill, student activities coordinator and advisor for the SGA, said the election would be held online through MyGate for freshmen to vote, and last two days from 12:01 a.m., Sept. 16, to 11:59 p.m., Sept. 17. The results were declared the following day, Sept. 18.

The candidates are listed as they appeared on the ballot: 1. Libby McBryde, 2. Thomas Palace, 3. Derionna Hudspeth, 4. Braxen Britton, and 5. Cameron Wright.

“They all seemed very enthused about [running] and very ready to campaign,” Gambill said. “I would say they’re all serious candidates.”

The two newly-made senators will then serve alongside other senators from the residential colleges, academic colleges, and the senators-at-large.

The senators work together in one body known as the Student Senate, where they produce, debate, or pass actions such as resolutions or legislation.

Gambill also said Murray State’s administration visits Senate meetings regularly. Using these meetings and listening to students, the administration calibrates their focus regarding issues or challenges.

“I’m very thankful to have an administration like that,” Gambill said. “Not all universities think about their students the way that ours does.”

While the number of Freshmen Senators is smaller in comparison, he said they have a special responsibility. Gambill said the Freshman Senators are a unique position. While they have the same power as other senators, they co-chair the Freshmen Council. The council is open to any freshman’s thoughts or opinions. The senators will later voice these thoughts or opinions in the Senate.

Two freshmen were asked their thoughts about the election, including Sarah Rook, a Bio/Pre-med major.

“I’m not big into politics, but it is important to use your right to vote because every vote counts,” said Rook. “So I’ll compare the candidates and see which one has values most aligned with mine.”

Hayden Thomas, a Psychology major, said he had concerns with the freshman senator positions.

“I think freshmen should spend more time on campus before taking up leadership roles,” Thomas said “They aren’t familiar with how college works or how leadership in college works. I’m not saying that freshmen can’t represent themselves…but [inexperience] certainly plays a role. What matters most is leadership skills and responsibility with experience.”

The following link provides more information on the Student Senate: https://www.murraystate.edu/campus/orgsRecreation/StudentOrganizations/sga/branches.aspx#senate