Anderson wins: New SGA leaders will be sworn in April 9

As the “Petrus era” ends, another begins as junior D’Andre Anderson was named the newest Student Government Association president Wednesday evening.

The announcement came unlike those in years past when the results were posted outside the Leadership Center. This year, they decided to make a formal announcement in the Student Union.

When Anderson’s name was called a little after 5:30 p.m., he said he was excited to know all of the hard work paid off.

“I feel like it was my time to continue what the former presidents have been doing,” Anderson said. “I’ve wanted to be the SGA president ever since I came to Camp Astate as a freshman, and now I can finally do that.”

Anderson, a biology major of Little Rock, isn’t a rookie to the SGA procedures, coming off a term as the chief of staff in Hunter Petrus’ second year as president.

Before that, Anderson filled SGA seats as a freshman and sophomore senator. He also has experience as a resident assistant and is involved in several student organizations.

Anderson said former SGA president Adrian Everett was his role model when it came to leadership at ASU.

“He really took me under his wing ever since I came to ASU,” Anderson said. “He showed me how things needed to be done here and treated me like his little brother. He taught me a lot.”

Anderson said Petrus also taught him a lot in terms of leadership while acting as his chief of staff.

“As president, I just want to start off the year by continuing what he was already working on,” Anderson said. “They’ve put a lot of hard work into what they’re doing right now, and I want to see those through before starting anything new.”

Anderson’s running mate, and now SGA vice president, Sarah Hamilton, also holds the title of Miss ASU.

The second-year junior, and Paragould native, hasn’t yet held a position with SGA. But, that’s exactly why Anderson said he chose her.

“I wanted someone who could think outside the box and didn’t have experience with SGA so they could give us a different opinion,” Anderson said. “She has a different friend group than just the SGA senators. She can reach out to different groups that aren’t really represented and can give us a different perspective.”

Hamilton, a communication disorders major, said she’s eager to jump into SGA headfirst.

“I’ve always been interested in SGA and (Anderson) is so highly qualified, he’s the perfect president for ASU,” Hamilton said. “I know I have big shoes to fill, because Copenhaver did such a wonderful job, but I’m ready to start.”

Petrus will continue to go to committee meetings as the SGA president until the next SGA senate meeting on April 9. There, Petrus will pass down the title to Anderson and the new SGA staff will be sworn in.

“Overall, I’m really impressed with both of the candidates,” Petrus said. “They both worked really hard and ultimately, both candidates would’ve done a great job.”

Petrus will finish his two-term reign and said it’s a bittersweet experience to be finally finishing his duties.

“It didn’t really hit me until we made the announcement,” Petrus said. “It’s exciting that someone is here to fill my spot, and I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished as president. But, for a little while, I’m sure there’s going to feel like there’s a void.”

Petrus said that he’s confident in leaving Anderson in his position, and the completion of his role as chief of staff is foretelling of his upcoming job.

“(Anderson) did a great job as chief of staff, he was really on top of his A-game,” Petrus said. “He showed that he wanted to be the next SGA president, and him being really involved in SGA will help him transition well.”

Petrus said he believes either candidate would’ve been great in the position of president though.

“Jack (Ellington) showed excellent leadership abilities and while (he and Katie Callaway) didn’t win, I’m confident they’ll be very involved and do a lot for ASU,” Petrus said.

Hamilton and Anderson have already chosen most of their SGA staff, and will begin meetings today as they start their term as president and vice president.

“There’s a lot of learning that they’ll have to do at first,” Petrus said. “I think (Anderson) is prepared and he’ll have my guidance along the way.”

Anderson said he’s eager to be in the office and his plans for ASU revolve around academic excellence, new traditions and involvement in the Jonesboro community, all of which he plans to initiate after completing the work Petrus has already begun.

“The best days are ahead of us,” Anderson said. “It’s going to be a long, fun ride.”