The Student Government Association’s 2026-27 school year president and vice president elections were finalized on Monday, with Josh Hamm named student body president and Luke Talley elected vice president. The results mark the conclusion of this year’s SGA election cycle and the beginning of the transition process between administrations.

Hamm, a junior biomedical major from Double Oak, ran unopposed and won with 90% of the vote. Talley, a sophomore government major from Salida, Colorado, ran against Jewel Cobb, a junior management major from Tomball, and won with 70% of the vote.

“I am thrilled and honored to be chosen to represent and serve the student body of ACU in this way,” Hamm said. “I am very excited to cultivate a culture where students feel heard, and where change can be made.”

Talley also expressed gratitude to students after the election results were announced.

“I am so thankful to the students of ACU for choosing me to represent them as the student body Vice President,” Talley said. “I cannot wait to help connect this campus and bring opportunities to the students here to help the greater community of Abilene.”

Josh Hamm and Luke Talley’s Campaign

During Q&A sessions, Hamm and Talley emphasized three pillars of their campaign, voice, stewardship and vision, describing leadership as a service position.

Hamm said one of his main priorities is improving SGA’s accessibility, including implementing a student idea portal that lets students submit feedback and suggestions directly.

“For student government to impact the student body in the most applicable way, we need to know what they want,” Hamm said. “We need to give everyone on campus a voice.”

He said he hopes to shift students’ perception of SGA, encouraging students to see it as a resource rather than something distant from everyday campus life.

Talley described leadership as something built through growth, including learning from failure, and said his goal is to foster a stronger sense of community within SGA.

“I don’t want to be a solo leader,” Talley said. “I want to be part of a team.”

He emphasized creating a “family” environment within the executive team and Senate, where collaboration and support allow leaders to better serve students.

Changing of the Guard

The transition of power will culminate in an event known as the “Changing of the Guard,” marking the official handover of responsibilities between outgoing and incoming SGA administrations.

During the event, the President’s Bible, a tradition dating back to 1995, is passed down, along with other items such as the Senate mallet. The event typically includes speeches, superlatives and awards such as “Senator of the Year.”

The ceremony formally marks the end of the current administration and the beginning of leadership for the 2026–2027 school year, as Hamm and Talley prepare to step into their new roles and begin implementing their campaign goals. And as the semester continues, Hamm and Talley will begin the hiring process for the rest of the executive cabinet members.