The Signal: What makes you a good candidate?
Ashley Epperson: I have held many leadership positions thus far that have prepared me for the position of Executive Vice President. Aside from my leadership skills, I am empathetic, passionate, and well-organized. I have the ability to maintain an efficient and productive work environment, while making the senator’s term an enjoyable experience. It is a combination of my leadership experience, my easy-to-work-with personality, and organization skills that makes me the ideal candidate for the position of Executive Vice President.
TS: What is your platform (issues you plan on addressing) for this election?
AE: Team IMPACT’s Platform is all-inclusive and student focused. Our vision is “Empowering Our Students to IMPACT our Campus”, by:
I Increasing Sustainability Options
M Making Housing available during Winter Break
P Producing Panther Pride Initiatives
A Adding/Extending Dining Hall Hours
C Creating Campus Safety Initiatives
T Tackling Transportation and Parking Issues
TS: Based on the previous position holder, how do you think you will improve the position?
AE: The position of Executive Vice President requires a lot, but mainly organization skills, and Taylor Briggs, our current EVP, did a phenomenal job with that. In fact, much of what I learned about the position came directly from watching EVP Briggs do her job. I plan to continue in her vision of improving transparency between the Executive Board and the Senate by increasing communication and maintaining an encouraging attitude.
TS: What was your motivation to run?
AE: When I decided to run as a Senator last year, I did not know what to expect. I thought my position would require me to simply attend meetings and that would be the end of it. However, serving as a Senator for the 2012-2013 term showed me that there was more for me in SGA. As the Head Senator for the Student Services Committee, I learned and performed well beyond what I initially set out to do and as a result of those experiences I knew there was so much more that I could do for the students and that was my motivation to continue with SGA .
TS: What has been your involvement in SGA? What have you done?
AE: Aside from the normal senator duties of addressing and advocating for the students, I am a voting member of the Student Activity Fee Committee, I am the Head Senator for the Student Services Committee, and, under the stewardship of VP Hill, I spearheaded the Freshman Hall After Hours Event. Serving within these capacities required me to be organized, transparent, and student-serving.
