Contested election brings new energy to MC student government 

For the first time in several years, the Maryville College Student Government Association (SGA) student body presidential election is contested, bringing a new level of energy and attention to student leadership on campus. 

Two tickets, both made up of rising juniors, are running for president and vice president: Savannah Latham (‘28) with MaKenna Canon (‘28), and Izzy Freeman (‘28) with Araceli Wilhoite (‘28). The unusual absence of senior candidates marks this election especially notable, challenging the traditional expectation that experience comes primarily with seniority. 

SGA serves as a bridge between students and administration, advocating for student needs while helping shape campus policies and initiatives. Because of this, leadership within the organization plays a critical role in student life, something both tickets emphasized in their campaigns. 

Latham, who has been involved in SGA since her first year and currently serves as public relations representative, said her motivation to run comes from a desire to create meaningful change. 

“I want to be student body president to invoke change and be the person students can trust,” Latham said, pointing to specific initiatives she hopes to implement.

“One change that I would like to see under my leadership is more education and signage for AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators),” she said, adding that she also hopes to improve emergency preparedness through better training and communication. 

Her running mate, Canon, emphasized connection and communications as key goals of their campaign. 

“I want to be vice president because I’ve seen the influence the position has, and I want to utilize that influence to create effective connections throughout campus,” Canon said. 

Canon also highlighted the importance of strong leadership within SGA, describing it as essential to maintaining a productive relationship between students and the college.

“With SGA being a voice forum between the student body and the faculty, it’s incredibly important to support, create and keep a good leadership system,” she said. 

On the other ticket, Freeman, who has served in SGA for three semesters as athletic senator, said her campaign is rooted in improving the student experience.

“I have noticed areas of the college that need improvement,” Freeman said. “I see this role as the perfect opportunity to bring about some changes that the college needs.” 

Freeman identified student involvement and communication as central issues.

“The main thing I hope to improve is student involvement, as well as tackle the ever-persistent gap between the student body and the student government,” she said.

Her running mate, Wilhoite, echoed these priorities, emphasizing the importance of listening and engagement. 

“I’m an active leader who doesn’t sit and wait for people to approach me; I start the conversation,” Wilhoite said. “I don’t aim to give anyone false hope; I aim to get things done effectively.” 

Both tickets also addressed the fact that they are running as juniors rather than seniors. Canon noted that qualifications and perspective matter more than class standing that “each and every candidate will bring something different to the position.” 

As the election approaches, the presence of two competitive tickets signal a renewed interest in student leadership and a shift in who is stepping forward to take on those roles. With both teams focused on communication, involvement and campus improvement, the outcome of the election will likely shape the student experience at Maryville College in the coming year.

Savannah Latham (‘28) and Izzy Freeman (‘28) promoting their student body president candidacies. Photo courtesy of Savannah Latham.