The results of the Students’ Associations executive officer elections are in, though only one officer was unknown. Students voted Joseph Austin, junior pre-law accounting major from Houston, to be their next SA executive treasurer.
“I’m so excited. I’m humbled that I actually won. I didn’t think I had any shot,” Austin said. “I just had so much encouragement from everybody- a lot of people from the business department, my teachers, faculty- just overwhelming support, and I really appreciate all of it.”
Austin has previously never served on SA but plans to meet soon with Carson Henley, this year’s treasurer, and several other employees to learn the requirements of his position.
“I think so many times I’ve been on the other side of the financial process, I’m excited to know the process as a whole, to meet with other student leaders and to be a part of everything,” Austin said. “I’ve always had my hand in one part of ACU, but this will be the first time I’m a part of every aspect of ACU. It’s so fun.”
Along with Austin, Rebecca Dial will serve as president, and Dylan Benac will serve as vice president. Both ran unopposed and were previously in SA. Dial looks forward to continue serving in a different role as president.
“I’m really just ready to start going and start trying to implement the ideas we’ve discussed rather than just keep talking about them,” Dial said. “I really like being involved, so I’m excited that I’m going to be able to take on this role and really just serve students in an even bigger way than I’ve been able to in the past.”
Benac understands and is eager to execute the demands of his office.
“One of the things I’m looking forward to is being able to interact with offices on campus and organizations,” Benac said. “I’m going to get to meet so many new people and that excites me. What I want to do is take those people I meet and really work with them.”
Both Benac and Dial have already begun working to implement the ideas they’ve discussed while campaigning for office.
Dial, along with this year’s SA president, Connor Best, are meeting with John Delony, assistant dean of Residence Life Education and Housing, to begin making Dial’s idea of a Res Life council a reality. She also hopes to meet with President Schubert to discuss her idea for a “Greatest Idea Challenge.”
“We’re setting the ground work to really get the ball rolling for next year,” Dial said. “I’m going to be here over the summer so hopefully I’ll be able to meet with administrators and get their input and be able to lay the foundation for next year.”
Benac has begun to look forward to the next fall’s election of Congress members and class officers.
“I feel like I have to have that planned and laid out before I get back in order to get the word out well,” Benac said. “We’re already in the process of mentally getting stuff down on paper of what works well and what needs to change.”
Austin is already preparing for next year’s budget as well. Austin would like to meet with every student group over a meal before planning the budget to find out what their goals are.
“I’m planning to meet with every student group over a meal before the budget. I’m going to have sign-up sheets and we’re going to get together, whether in the Bean or food court, and we’re going to talk about their goals for the semester,” Austin said. “I’m going to try to get on the same page as everybody. I really want to understand everybody and get to know them the best I can.”
