Describe your platform.
R-Require an increased security presence to ensure student safety
E- Engaging the student body in athletic events
S- Strategically increasing sustainability throughout the school
U- Uniting all six campuses into the #PantherFamily
L- Landing greater academic success through promoting academic programs and resources
T- Traditions that will be formed and last forever
S- Student services being expanded
What issues do you think are big on campus right now that you’re planning to address?
FORTUNE: Working effortlessly to increase campus safety and increasing awareness of the available resources for campus safety and advocating for 24 study space. Also making sure the student body knows who the Student Government Association and what we do. More Face to face interaction. Getting us out there!
The SGA president will be responsible for Georgia State’s now six campuses. What will you do to make sure you’re on top of all six campuses, and keep up with all the responsibilities that come along?
FORTUNE: Making sure that I am working closely with administration. It is essential that we work close together so we can all be on the same page. Also, I want to engage the WHOLE student body. I want all students to unite as one panther family. This will not come overnight however, I will work tirelessly to make sure that every student is accounted for and no campus is left behind. We are Georgia State University. I currently have good and strong relations with athletics, student affairs, Greek life, and many more departments and university organizations. I think this will make it easier for us to come together as one and an easier transition for the school.
Why do you think you’re the best representative of the Georgia State student body?
FORTUNE: I am passionate about Student Government Association because I like having a direct impact on what goes on in our university. With Georgia State University being the largest institution in Georgia, I think it is necessary for the President to possess substantial SGA experience. I want to be an advocate for the student body and continue making an impact. During my time in SGA, I have offered major contributions to the implementation of a smoke free campus. I executed the introduction of Panther Cash and authored the Grocery Shuttle Bill. Joined the mission with panther pantry to help homeless and low income students out with food access. I completed the design for commuter partial meal plans and continuously promoted the “Go Green Go Save” Mugs. I partnered with several Georgia State University offices to provide a “Service of the Month” each month and worked tirelessly to improve transportation (BusBuzz). I also continued to increase involvement between the Senate and student body by providing senators with more active roles to reach their constituents. I want to continue to expand on the accomplishments that have been made throughout my time here in the Student Government Association. Georgia State University is something that is near and dear to my heart and it has given me the best three years of my life. I see nothing better to do my last year at this institution than serving a university that has given me so much.
What do you think it means to be a Panther and how have you showed your voters that you are one?
FORTUNE: This may sound cliché, but I love Georgia State University. From having Panther Pride to bleeding blue and being located in the heart of Atlanta, how can you not? In order to be a panther, I feel like you have to love your school and what your school represents. Although the Student Government structure is changing, the university needs a President that has worked with a large population and that has proper and quality Student Government Association experience. I have had the opportunity to hear feedback from students. The student body has the power to let their voices be heard. I am passionate about Georgia State University, and I am aiming to set our university apart on a national level. I want this institute to be the best it can be. The President is supposed to provide a sense of comfort to the university, which as Vice President of Student Services, I have been doing by completing everything on my platform halfway through the academic school year. In my experience one has to be personable and understanding, and I am both. This will not be easy year but I do promise positive RESULTS through the fearless leadership I will bring day in and day out which I have been doing for the last 3 years in the student government association.
