By Lori Bredemeyer, Managing Editor

With executive officer elections behind them, the Students’ Association leaders have completed their first order of business: appointing a new executive secretary.

The officers chose Ben Jeffrey, junior theatre major from Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday to fill the position for the 2005-06 school year.

Jeffrey said although he has no experience on SA, he feels he’s ready to meet the new challenge head-on.

“It’s like any job where you just put yourself into it,” he said. “I don’t like to get really anxious about things, and I don’t see how this is different from any other leadership position.”

Justin Scott, SA’s president-elect, Melanie Booker, vice president, Tyler Cosgrove, treasurer, and Sarah Woodroof, secretary, conducted the interviews. Scott said Jeffrey’s leadership on campus made him stand out from the other applicants; he has been active in the Theatre Department and recently per formed as Sing Song host in February.

“We chose Ben because he is very engaging, and he’s a very, very good people person,” Scott said. “He has the ability to put people at ease, and I think as secretary, that’s a huge gift. … He’s the first person people see when they come to the office, and we thought he’d make it feel like a comfortable place to be.”

Other applicants for the position were Sametria Turner, junior psychology major and current junior senator, and Olivia Hodges, sophomore Christian ministry major from Raleigh, N.C.

Scott said the secretary is responsible for coordinating SA activities and meetings, keeping records up-to-date and organized, and making sure Congress members fulfill their responsibilities. Scott said the officers felt Jeffrey would do well with these tasks and also bring a positive attitude to the job.

“I think the thing is that with Melanie and Tyler and I, we’re all really work-oriented, and we need someone who’s really personable and outgoing,” Scott said. “We think he complements us and brings different elements to the table.

“I think he’s going to be a really good secretary,” he said. “A lot of people know him on campus, he’s a very gifted guy, and he’s going to do a great job.”

Jeffrey said he also has high expectations for the role.

“Next year I’ll definitely be on my toes,” he said, “but I’ll be all right.”