Editor's note: Race Bates' and Lexi Williams' majors were switched in the original version. The story has since been updated.
As the SGA elections officially began at the close of Nomination Convention on Feb. 16, candidates are on their way to start campaigning.
The two executive slates running for office are Summit and 18.
See the slates' platform points here.
Summit is comprised of diverse students coming from SGA, small organizations, Greek Life, sports and more. The slate is most passionate about getting involved with the students and implementing mentorships throughout campus to provide guidance and connections on campus.
James Wells, presidential nominee for Summit, said at first look, people may not think the slate would mesh well together, but that was the beauty of their group.
“Because we come from different areas of campus — from SGA to small organizations, from Greek Life to athletics — we are coming together to work together and bringing all these ideals together to essentially take Ball State to the next level and reach newer heights," Wells said.
Emily Halley, tresorial nominee for Summit, said the slate got its name from the concept of reaching a mountain's summit.
“We were brainstorming all these different ideas, and we really wanted to pick something that related back to students," Halley said. "Since we’ve all had the opportunity to lead on campus and have those mentors that really pushed us to lead, summit is the perfect example of servant leadership.
"So if we were to be elected, we’d be at the top of the mountain, but it’s not just us at the top, we’d be helping others come to the top as well. So it’s really just about giving back to the community and offering our skills and different things to them so then they themselves can become future leaders on campus as well.”
About the Summit members:
James Wells, president: junior, urban statesmanship major
Activities/involvement: SGA secretary of University Governance, Lambda Chi Alpha (High Phi-Ritualist), Black Student Association, Asian American Student Association, Latino Student Union, Spectrum, University Democrats, Campus Community Coalition
Ana Batres, vice president: sophomore, journalism graphics and design major
Activities/involvement: Asian American Student Association, Latino Student Union, SGA representative, SGA Organizational Caucus Chair
Emily Halley, treasurer: junior, marketing major
Activities/involvement: president of Women in Business, president of American Marketing Association, standards delegate in Alpha Omicron Pi, Miller College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board
Brock Frazer, secretary: junior, professional selling major
Activities/involvement: Sigma Phi Epsilon (former president), BSU D3 Hockey captain, Navigators, BSU Sales Team, Dean's Student Advisory Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Student Advisory Board president
For 18, its main focus points are to change campus and make a strategic impact. The slate consists of leaders heavily involved in SGA.
Matt King, 18’s presidential nominee, said they want to provide specific platform points so students can better understand their platform.
“We always tell people this isn’t an umbrella campaign slate; ... we are going to give concrete ideas that we want to do,” King said.
King said the slate based its name around Ball State's history and tried connecting it to the students.
“We wanted to go back to the roots of Ball State," he said. "The Ball brothers obviously had the school, they took care of it, they gave it to the state of Indiana in 1918, and so it’s our job to take care of it now."
King said the name also comes from the fact that students are around the age of 18 when they come to college, as well as Ball State’s 18 by '18 plan. His biggest point, however, was that the slate will take 18 percent of its executive salaries and donate it back to Ball State for students who need financial help.
About the 18 members
Matt King, president: junior, emerging media major
Activities/involvement: General Chair and president of homecoming committee, Phi Gamma Delta, Resident Assistant in Noyer Complex, Cru, Order of Omega, vice president of Public Relations for Interfraternal Council, SGA since freshman year
Greg Carbo, vice president: sophomore, organizational communication major
Activities/involvement: vice president of Step In. Speak Up., Sigma Chi fraternity, council member for Fraternal Values Society, Cru, SGA for one year, Debate Team
Race Bates, treasurer: junior, marketing major
Activities/involvement: president of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority incorporated, Black Student Association, Gamma Sigma Alpha Honor Society
Lexi Williams, secretary: sophomore, public communications major
Activities/involvement: SGA for two years, Chi Omega, Equestrian Team, Cru
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