SGA Spring General Election Information

The SGA Spring Election is your opportunity to make your voice heard as a student at Jacksonville State University. This election includes SGA Executive positions, Student Senate candidates, and the selection of Miss and Mr. Jax State, as well as Mr. and Miss Friendly. Each of these roles plays an important part in shaping the student experience on campus.

Candidate Application

Learn More About Your Future Campus Leaders

The SGA President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Student Government Association and represents the student body at the highest level of the University. This role oversees all executive operations, chairs major SGA meetings, appoints executive officers and committees, and works closely with University administration, including the President and Board of Trustees. Requirements: Must be in good academic standing, have no judicial holds, hold sophomore status (32 credit hours), and maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.

The Vice President of the Student Senate serves as the presiding officer of the Student Senate and is responsible for overseeing Senate procedures, legislation, and committee work. This position ensures Senate policies are followed, appoints committee leadership, and represents Senate concerns to University officials. Requirements: Must be in good academic standing, have no judicial holds, hold sophomore status (32 credit hours), maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and have previously served as a Student Senator.

The Vice President of Student Activities serves as President of the Student Activities Council and oversees all SGA-sponsored events and programs. This role coordinates student engagement initiatives, leads SAC meetings, and works closely with Student Affairs to enhance campus life.

Requirements: Must be in good academic standing, have no judicial holds, hold sophomore status (32 credit hours), maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and have previously been a member of the Student Activities Council (SAC).

The Vice President of Organizational Affairs oversees University-recognized student organizations and serves as a key liaison between student groups and the University. This position maintains organizational records, presides over Organizational Council meetings, coordinates organization-related legislation, and ensures compliance with SGA procedures. Requirements: Must be in good academic standing, have no judicial holds, hold sophomore status (32 credit hours), maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and have previously been a member of the Organizational Council (OC).

The Vice President of Public Relations is responsible for promoting SGA initiatives, events, and announcements. This role manages SGA publicity, designs marketing materials, coordinates advertising campaigns, and ensures students stay informed and engaged with campus opportunities. Requirements: Must be in good academic standing, have no judicial holds, hold sophomore status (32 credit hours), and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Student Senators advocate for the student body by listening to student concerns, proposing legislation, and working to make campus a better place for all. Senators interact regularly with students and University leadership to address issues and improve campus life through policy and action. Requirements: Must be in good academic standing with the University and maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA throughout their term. Undergraduate candidates must have completed at least 12 credit hours at JSU and be enrolled in 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester. Graduate candidates must be enrolled full-time in a minimum of 9 credit hours each fall and spring semester.

Mr. & Miss Friendly and Mr. & Miss Jax State serve as student representatives who promote school spirit, involvement, and campus pride. Elected annually, these students act as ambassadors for the University and collaborate to plan a Student Appreciation Event or project that enhances the student experience. Requirements: Candidates must be full-time students with a minimum 2.5 GPA, have completed 12 credit hours, be actively involved in at least two on-campus organizations, and be able to serve a two-semester term.

Mr. & Miss Friendly and Mr. & Miss Jax State serve as student representatives who promote school spirit, involvement, and campus pride. Elected annually, these students act as ambassadors for the University and collaborate to plan a Student Appreciation Event or project that enhances the student experience. Requirements: Candidates must be full-time students with a minimum 2.5 GPA, have completed 12 credit hours, be actively involved in at least two on-campus organizations, and be able to serve a two-semester term.

Election Timeline

January 26, 2026

SGA Interest Meeting- TMB Auditorium, 4:00pm

February 2, 2026

Election Applications Open

February 16, 2026

Applications Due, 4:30pm

March 9, 2026

Candidates Speeches and Debates- TMB Auditorium, 4:00pm

March 10, 2026

SGA Spring Election Day – Online Voting (Via Campus Groups), 12:00 AM – 4:00 PM

SGA Election Announcement – TMB Auditorium, 4:30 PM

Meet the Candidates for President

Bethany Dean-Stoots Bethany Dean-Stoots 

Classification: Senior 

Why do you seek this position and what goals would you like to accomplish?

I am seeking the position of SGA President to continue being a strong and genuine voice for students. Serving in student government this past year has been a meaningful experience, and it has shown me how important it is for students to feel heard, supported, and represented.  As President, my goal is to advocate for changes both big and small that improve everyday campus life and help every student feel seen and valued. I want to build on the growth we’ve already made by offering events at more accessible times and continuing to expand programming that welcomes both extroverted and introverted students.  I believe student government should reflect the diverse needs of our campus, and I am committed to listening, collaborating, and turning student voices into real action. 

Involvement:  

Vice President of Student Activity Council, Delta Zeta, Marching Southerners, Freshman Forum Member and Mentor, Vice President of Lambda Sigma, Student Senator, Vice President of Social Work Club, Parent and Alumni Chair/Alumni Chair for Delta Zeta, Organization Council Delegate, Member of Student Activity Council, Order of Omega, NSLS SNT Coordinator 

Jonathan DuncanJonathan Duncan

Classification: Senior 

Why do you seek this position and what goals would you like to accomplish?

This university has a legacy of fantastic leaders and I’d love to be a part of that legacy. I want to restore the interest and respect for our SGA by showing our student body how much we care and what we are doing to help. 

Involvement:  

Marching Southerners, Political Science Debate Team, Tocqueville Society, Pi Sigma Alpha Honors Fraternity, Jacksonville Christian Student Center, SGA Judicial Branch 

Meet the Candidates for Vice President of Student Senate

Michael Dalesandro Michael Dalesandro

Classification: Sophomore 

Why do you seek this position and what goals would you like to accomplish?

I wish to oversee the legislative body of the student senate. One of my goals would be to increases the efficiency of the senate, and encourage more bills to be pushed through the senate.

Involvement:  

Sigma Nu Fraternity President, SGA Student Senator, Marching Southerner, IFC representative, as well as many smaller organizations across campus.

Hayleigh TaylorHayleigh Taylor

Classification: Sophomore 

Why do you seek this position and what goals would you like to accomplish?

I am seeking this position because I want every student to feel that their voice matters and to take pride in the community they are a part of. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served in leadership roles over the past two years at JSU, and I am committed to continuing to help make JSU a welcoming home for all students. Through this position, I hope to increase awareness of and involvement in student government, amplify student concerns, strengthen school spirit, and create meaningful opportunities that bring the JSU community together.

Involvement:  

Two-year member of SAC with leadership positions both years, One-year member of Student Senate, Director over Special Interest Organizations for Organization Council, Hospitality Services employee at JSU

Meet the Candidates for Vice President of Student Activities

Xander BarteeXander Bartee

Classification: Sophomore 

Why do you seek this position and what goals would you like to accomplish?

I am seeking the position Vice President of Student Activities because of my deepened love for Jacksonville State University and what it stands for. I pride myself in being the nicest possible version of myself every day and what’s better than to do that while representing the Friendliest Campus in the South at the highest level? My goals that I would like to accomplish include: Unifying the Student Body, encouraging Greek life to represent collegiate events with pride, create a consistently friendly, engaging, and fun environment for the city of Jacksonville, Alabama to enjoy, and on top of all of that, assuming I win VPSA, create a seamless transition for my future predecessors to come.

Involvement:  

Student Activities Council, Pi Kappa Phi, Freshman Forum Alumni, Operation Big Brother

Lacie SmithsonLacie Smithson 

Classification: Sophomore 

Why do you seek this position and what goals would you like to accomplish?

I want to make campus more fun and engaging for everyone. I also want to make JSU less of a suitcase college and give people a reason to stay instead of always going home! 

Involvement:  

Director of Gamecock Spirit, member of Alpha Omicron Pi 

Meet the Candidate for Organizational Affairs

Caroline FricksCaroline Fricks

Classification: Sophomore 

Why do you seek this position and what goals would you like to accomplish?

Jax State as a university is fueled by its investment & participation in student organizations. I know this firsthand as a member of multiple. However, I feel that sometimes there's a disconnect between the university itself and the organizations it has. I want to use this position to expand the outreach Jax State's administration & different departments have and forge more meaningful connections with student organizations on campus. My time on the Organizational Council Board of Directors has taught me there's always more work to be done in terms of campus and community outreach, and I hope I can help facilitate more meaningful and beneficial relationships all throughout the student body, because that's what the VPOA & all of SGA is here for: the students. 

Involvement:  

Delta Zeta, Lambda Alpha Epsilon, Student Senate, Organizational Council 

Meet the Candidate for Public Relations

Cece PickettCece Pickett

Classification: Junior

Why do you seek this position and what goals would you like to accomplish?

To create interpersonal relationship as well as connect other through PR on this campus. As well as expand on my skill as a PR practitioner 

Involvement:  

Student Senate (2025–2026), PRSSA (2025–present), Freshman Forum (2024–2025), Marching Southerners Color Guard (2024–present) 

Meet the Candidates for Student Senate

  • Kinsey Holton  
  • Zack Hu  
  • Kaylee Johnson  
  • Rayannua (Ray) Knox  
  • Trey Landman  
  • Joy Oluwatosin Lawrence  
  • Carleigh Lipscomb  
  • Kati Marin  
  • John Miller  
  • Sky Swann  
  • Ashton Wade  
  • Lindsey Whaley  
  • Carter Whatley  
  • Kayla Williams-Moore  
  • Faith D'Amico  
  • Gaurav Dev  
  • Brandon DeWalt  
  • Jachian Dunnaville  
  • Caden Aldridge  
  • Ayele Anenou  
  • Destin Ball  
  • Mckenzie Fischer  
  • Adriana Flores  
  • Jesse Helms  
  • A'zhiyah Kendall  
  • Allee Kutner  
  • Juana Lucas Perez  
  • David Luna  
  • Rylan Morrison  
  • Carmen Patton  
  • Zykieran Portis  
  • Aaliyah Rhodes  
  • Jace Roysdon  
  • Shaelyn Smith  
  • Kayden White 

Meet the Candidates for Miss Jax State

  • SaVannah Davis  
  • Jai’dence Guyton  
  • Sydney Lacy  
  • Kayleigh McGatha  
  • Kadee Twilley 

Meet the Candidate for Mr. Jax State

  • Hayden Gallahar 

Meet the Candidates for Miss Friendly

  • Ray Knox  
  • Kati Marin  
  • Olivia Morris  
  • Katie Lynn Williamson 

Meet the Candidate for Mr. Friendly

  • Nic Butler