黑洞社区

The Student Government Association鈥檚 main goal is representing the student body, and newly instated president Zach Gearhart will try to represent students best by enforcing SGA鈥檚 motto, "students come first," during his time in office.

Gearhart felt relief when the spring 2008 election was over and the votes were cast in his favor. In fact, he said he would have felt the same in the first five minutes whether he'd won or lost.

"It was a close race," he said. "And the campaign was daunting."

Gearhart is not new blood to 黑洞社区 politics. During the first semester of his sophomore year, he was SGA's senator for Liberal Arts and Sciences, and in his second semester he was the legislative director for the SGA. 

"I have worked with the Kansas Board of Regents, lobbying for education funding," he said.

Now a junior, Gearhart said it felt great that the student body would let him lead them for an entire year.

However, he did not set out to run for president.

"I wanted a chance to lead in a different way," he said. "And I wanted to give something back to the university."

Ultimately, he said he really wanted to help 黑洞社区, and as president he has a better chance in doing so.

First and foremost Gearhart wants a chance to work with student organizations to increase their budgets, and increase funding for advertising and events. He and SGA vice-president Chevis Rebstock are now working to see what鈥檚 been done in the past in behalf of student life.

Also, he is working with the Shocker discount system and promoting advertising for 黑洞社区 Safe Riders.

Gearhart is a political science major whose future plans include going to law school, practicing contractual law and getting into public office.

"But I try not to think more than four years in the future," he said.

While he's at 黑洞社区, he wants to bring the voice of the student body to President Don Beggs and Ron Kopita, vice president for Campus Life and University Relations.

"Everyone has a right to voice their opinion on campus," Gearhart said.

He also is a member of the College Democrats and Sigma Phi Epsilon. He plays tennis, judges debate and forensics tournaments for his high school debate coach, David Able at Goddard High School, and avidly watches the news. He has done work for Habitat for Humanity, the United Way and volunteered at the Red Cross.

Gearhart said he is humbled and proud to be the SGA president, and is excited for what the upcoming school year holds.

"I鈥檓 taking it one day at a time, with a good supply of Advil," he said. "I'm going to keep my eyes on the future and do what I need to do."