By Mallory Sherwood, Features Editor

Justin Scott defeated his opponents Friday in the race for president of Students’ Association against Keith Robinson and Jonathan Wactor. Melanie Booker and Tyler Cosgrove were re-elected to vice president and treasurer, respectively.

Scott, junior political science major from Whitehouse, said he didn’t expect the results he received Friday evening.

“I was pretty surprised that one candidate out of three was able to get a majority of the vote,” Scott said.

He said he expected a runoff election, but he was happy with the results.

“In a democratic system, people get the chance to decide, and they had the opportunity this year to choose from three good candidates,” Scott said. “Both Jon and Keith are godly men, and they desire to serve others.

“I hope they can both find a place to serve. They are leaders and are valuable to the campus.”

The election took place in the Campus Center on ballots Wednesday through Friday, and 1,019 students voted, said Patrick Leech, SA election campaign manager and junior history major from Tuscola.

Leech said Scott garnered 60.6 percent of the vote, receiving 618 votes. Robinson received 22.5 percent of the vote with 229 votes, and Wactor received 16.9 percent of the vote with 172 votes.

Leech also said Booker and Cosgrove were re-elected with Booker receiving 90.28 percent of the vote with 920 votes and Cosgrove receiving 87.9 percent of the vote with 896 votes.

Layne Rouse, current SA president and senior communication major from Midland, said he was preparing to give the reins to Scott.

“This whole position is about a continual process of casting the vision for the future,” Rouse said.

Robinson, junior finance and management major from St. Louis, said he was disappointed he lost and does wish he could change something about the election.

“I wish I had had more opportunity to sit down with the student athletes and advisers to talk about what we wish to change for next year and to get their opinion,” Robinson said. “I think the athletes could have helped as a rallying point around my campaign.”

Wactor, junior political science major from Tuscan, Ariz., said he had never held office in SA before, but he is glad he ran this year.

“Win or lose, I wanted to do something that would get students interested and something that could be remembered,” Wactor said.

Wactor said after talking to Layne Rouse about the role of president and to others involved, he became interested in becoming the voice of the people and wanted to win the presidency.

But Scott is the student who will lead the student body next year.

The first issue to tackle on Scott’s list is ACU for Abilene, which is April 16. Scott said he also wants to continue the process for Project Abilene.

During the summer, he said he plans to work with the executive officers to talk to administration about some of the issues he mentioned during his election, such as parking and meal plans.

He said the SA presidency is important to him because of the opportunity it gives him to serve others and not himself.

“It allows me to take up the concerns of others and to act out of Christian faith on a daily basis,” he said.

The losing candidates have made plans for next semester, too.

Robinson said he plans to run for either senior senator or chief financial officer.

“It’s really going to depend on what projects I want to be involved with next year,” he said.

Wactor said he plans to take a different route than SA.

Instead of running for junior senator in SA, Wactor said he felt God was calling him into service in the community and in smaller organizations.

Robinson encouraged Scott to follow through with his plans and to accomplish what his goals are.

“Justin has good ideas for next year, and he challenged the student body to come and talk to him about it and just see if it gets done,” Robinson said. “I encourage him to make well on the promise and encourage him to keep up with the projects and ideas he has.”

Rouse said Scott would lead the school well next year, and he has a great asset to use.

“Justin’s biggest strength will be the team he is surrounded with,” Rouse said. “The team brings a lot of momentum. I hope they can continue to carry the student body.”