Junior Chloe Higgins, class of 2024 president, was appointed speaker of the senate during Elon University’s first Student Government Association meeting after elections. Higgins was nominated for the position alongside Connor Vaughn, senator of the School of Arts and Sciences. Higgins won, receiving 13 of the 16 votes.

Both candidates were questioned at the meeting on March 30 by the senators regarding their qualifications, as well as ability to carry out their positions in SGA while balancing academic life. Higgins talked about her experience in SGA and prided herself in her time management skills, 

“I will be taking 18 credit hours, and I’m the vice president of philanthropic services for my sorority,” Higgins said. “Even right now as the vice president of philanthropic service, I find myself having a lot of spare time as well as maintaining a job -– which I won’t have soon. So I feel like I can definitely handle it.” 

Vaughn discussed his current leadership roles and displayed his confidence in balance and management capabilities.

“I’m really building leadership experience, as well as just becoming comfortable,” Vaughn said. “Having been in the senate for the past couple months or so has really allowed me to get more experience.”

Senators spoke about how Higgins has been a part of SGA since her freshman year, giving her the experience needed for the role. Julia Strouse, senator of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education, has seen Higgins work and vouched for her organization and time management skills — believing she would be the most suited for the position.

“She’s really good at blocking out whatever it is — from her schoolwork, something in their sorority, to hanging out with friends who have their own schedule. I think that her organization or time management skills could do really well in this role,” Strouse said.

After being appointed, Higgins led the nomination and appointment of the positions of parliamentarian and speaker pro tempore. These positions are responsible for maintaining all legislative records and assisting the speaker of the senate in maintaining proper procedure during meetings, respectively.

Vaughn was nominated for the position of speaker pro tempore. There were no other nominations, so the vote was unanimous in his favor. 

After two unsuccessful nominations, due to a senator not accepting a nomination and another not receiving enough votes, SGA tabled the nomination of parliamentarian.