Student Government Association (SGA) announced the final additions to the governing body on Friday afternoon, wrapping up a weeks-long process during which five freshman senators and one senior senator were elected.
"All the freshmen, at the debate, they all seemed like they had really good ideas, so I'm definitely happy with the new group," Bobby Shelton '28, a member of SGA's public relations and elections committee, said.
The following freshman senators were announced on Wednesday:
- Zoë Allen (Class president)
- Paul Frayer
- Hannah Nichols
- Akanksha Manna
- Hannah Parker
"I can't wait to start another school year with new ideas, new people and just a whole Senate body that's very eager to help other students," SGA President Alisha Mitchell '26 said. "I'm so glad I have a team and committee and senators who are willing and ready to make a change on campus and improve students' wellbeing."
One senior senate position opened up after last semester because former Sen. Sreeja Pandiri '26 vacated the seat. In her time in SGA, Pandiri played a major role in various initiatives across campus. These projects included providing Ramadan-observing students with Halal meals after sundown, as well as stocking restrooms around campus with free menstrual products. Those initiatives are expected to continue, Shelton said, in Pandiri's absence.
After technical issues with the ballot process earlier in the week, votes for the senior position were tallied on Friday. Brielle McLean '26 won the seat among a field of five candidates.
"I really want us to get involved and give back and to be able to really show why Mercer is so great, and why being here is so special," McLean told the audience at Monday's SGA debate.
Gabriel Kopp '26 is double majoring in Journalism and Law and Public Policy at Mercer University. He has written for The Cluster since he started at Mercer, and currently works as Editor-in-Chief. When he isn't working on a Washington Post crossword, he enjoys going for runs around Macon and reading The New York Times or the AJC while sipping coffee.
