By Sarah Carlson, Staff Writer

Several social clubs are electing new officers this month and preparing for spring rushes.

Alpha Kai Omega, Pi Kappa, Tri Kappa Gamma and Sub T-16 had officer elections in December, and the remaining clubs’ elections are spread throughout March.

Amanda Spell, coordinator of student organizations and activities, said she will have the officer election results from each March election by Friday.

Spell said she checks all the officer nominees for eligibility regarding grade point averages and academic probation, but each club is independent and has a constitution dictating its election process.

Michael Hunton, president of Gamma Sigma Phi and junior management major from Nashville, Tenn., said he is excited about and appreciates his opportunity to be president, but he now is realizing the amount of work the job entails.

“There is a level of stress and burden that comes with being a leader,” Hunton said.

Hunton served as social director for GSP last year and said having previous officer experience and knowing how the club operates helped him become president.

Hunton said many students on campus perceive clubs in different ways and judge them by the actions of their members.

“It’s a great responsibility to represent our club to the school and to be taken seriously,” Hunton said.

He added that he is looking forward to building relationships with prospective pledges.

“It’s not about trying to make an impression that’s better than someone else, but really just to try and show who we are,” Hunton said.

Rosalyn Perry, junior education major from Abilene, was elected president of Sigma Theta Chi, but her role will not be official until the club’s formal on April 2.

Perry said in an e-mail she hopes to bring a sense of stability and encouragement to the club, and she is not having a hard time transitioning into the role of president.

“I’m so dedicated to this club and it’s well-being that I will strive to meet the standards set before me and go above and beyond those to make our club the best it can be,” Perry said. “Because the girls know my heart and my passion for this club, their support is making this transition easy.”

Perry said she is ready for spring rushes to begin to show freshman women what Sigma Theta Chi is about.

“I want them to be able to see what a blessing it could be to them if they choose to take part in the whole rushing/pledging process, no matter which club they decided to pledge,” Perry said.

Nicole Painter, junior marketing major from Bedford and president of Alpha Kai Omega, was elected in December and said she prefers having officer elections then.

“I think it’s extremely beneficial because voting occurs at a slower time for clubs,” Painter said. “It can help you get ready, and you don’t have to step in right when rushing starts.”

Painter said her goals for this year are to get involved with the Multicultural Council, encourage the members to stay involved in activities and to focus more on prayer in small groups.

Allison Sevier, junior marketing major from Sulphur Springs and president of Ko Jo Kai, said she wants her club to be unified, to serve and be active on campus.

“I want the girls to grow closer together, to uplift each other and to grow closer to God,” Sevier said. “That’s what club is there for.”