The University of Memphis recently marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its 76th Student Government Association administration. This annual event underscores the university’s commitment to student leadership and active participation in campus governance.
The Ceremony, held on April 10, 2025, was attended by students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Dr. Carolyn Whittier began the ceremony by stating how the SGA represents a quote by John F. Kennedy, “The student government association best exemplifies this quote as here leadership and learning are intertwined.”
Newly elected President Chris Bailey took the oath of office committing to represent the student body’s interests and uphold the values of the university. “Nothing at the U of M has ever been about me, it's about the service to the students,” said Bailey. The newly inaugurated president outlined priorities for the upcoming term, emphasizing initiatives aimed at enhancing student life, promoting inclusivity and strengthening communication between students and administration.
“My goal for SGA is to embody the term being the voice of the students, you can’t be the voice of the students if you’re not talking to the students,” Bailey said. “I don’t want SGA to be an organization where we are joining because we wanna be great leaders or want to get paid, I want our organization to embody student service.” Outgoing SGA President Sam Warren reflected on the accomplishments of the past year including policy advocacy and the successful launch of campus wide events like the Town Halls.
In addition to the executive branch, the SGA senate was inaugurated, featuring representatives from each academic college. These senators play a crucial role in proposing legislation, allocating funding for student organizations, and ensuring every student’s voice is represented. The speaker of the senate made a remarking statement, “Leadership requires vision, not just for where we are but where we will go.”
As the event came to a close, one student made a comment about the diversity of the administration, “I’m truly glad that SGA has such inclusivity and it really exemplifies the university as a whole.” Students were also further encouraged to attend SGA town halls, participate in campus wide initiatives and apply for committee positions throughout the year. As the new administration steps into its role, the message is clear: Student voices matter more than ever.
For more information on how to get involved with the SGA, visit the office at the University Center, second floor, or check out memphis.edu/sga.
