Election Week begins at SGA Candidate Forum

It’s Election Week at Lipscomb University, and in the words of current Student Government Association President Lydia Knobloch, that means “It’s time to pass the torch.”

Last night, SGA hosted a Candidate Forum at 7 p.m. for Executive and Class Officer candidates to introduce themselves to their peers. Each candidate gave a short speech, and all Lipscomb students could attend and learn more about their SGA representatives.

Each Class Officer candidate ran unopposed, along with the Executive Vice President and Executive President. The races for Executive Treasurer and Secretary were more competitive, with two and three candidates, respectively.

Even though all of the Class Officers were unopposed, they each gave a speech. The representatives introduced themselves, explained why they were passionate about SGA, and shared how they would enrich students’ Lipscomb Experience through their position.

The Class Officer candidate list will be released on Tuesday, April 7th, at 6 p.m. Students can vote for their 2027-2028 Class Officers via email between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8th.

After all the Class Officers spoke, the Executive Treasurer race brought some competition into the Candidate Forum, as two freshmen faced off for the same position.

Abel Tucker spoke first, highlighting his financial expertise. A Business Marketing and Political Science double major, Tucker says he understands the responsibility of stewarding SGA’s money well. 

“Treasurer is a role of selfless spending to enhance the student experience,” Tucker said.

His three main goals as treasurer are to maximize external impact by funding clubs and student tickets, to continue to positively impact SGA internally, and to steward SGA’s resources faithfully. 

When asked how he would ensure SGA helps the entire student body, Tucker said that the new financial committee SGA is instituting will ensure that all students can be heard.

Lucas Spillman, a current SGA freshman representative, followed Tucker. Spillman is a finance major, and he emphasized his campus involvement and leadership. As founder of the Lipscomb Chess Club and Bold Talk, Spillman wants to prioritize the student experience.

Spillman said he wants to see better cafeteria hours and improved campus lighting. He said he was part of the team that pushed for renovation and expansion of the SAC. 

“When I go into a room, I stay there, and it moves,” Spillman said during his speech.

After both Executive Treasurer candidates spoke, the Executive Secretary speeches began. Lauren Losher, Oscar Pena and Gabriel Thomas all shared their visions for SGA and Lipscomb as a whole.

Lauren Losher wasn’t planning to take on a student leadership role when she came to Lipscomb this fall, but she saw how much she could help people through SGA. She helped advocate for people with dietary restrictions on campus and is working to bring ballet barre to the SAC fitness studio.

If elected, Losher wants to continue to improve the student experience. She mentioned introducing a Gaga ball pit, benches next to the sand volleyball court and a female weight room in the SAC. 

Overall, Losher hopes to represent Lipscomb well and get students involved. “I want to ensure your voices are heard and that you are connected to what’s happening on campus.”

Oscar Pena started his speech by thanking SGA for helping him grow as a leader and listener. 

“SGA is about caring about the people around you. It’s about building your community and serving others,” Pena said.

He highlighted his expertise in organization, communication and graphic design – skills that are vital to the role of Secretary. Pena owns his own photography business, was the Vice President of his class in high school, and placed first in the state in graphic design and web design in Future Business Leaders of America.

Pena wants to see changes on campus, including more pickleball nets and extended hours for Uncle Dave’s. But his main goal is to help students feel connected to their community.

“As a first-generation college student, I know how important it is to feel that you belong,” said Pena.

Gabriel Thomas gave the last of three speeches in the Executive Secretary race. As a current SGA senator, Vice President of the Black Student Organization, and Team Lead of the on-campus Starbucks, Thomas highlighted his leadership experience. 

Thomas is currently interning at the Tennessee State Capitol, where he is learning to be detailed, organized and professional. His slogan, “An extra shot of leadership. Vote for Gabe,” highlights his passion for bringing extra enthusiasm and qualifications to the role of Secretary.

The last two speeches of the night were much more relaxed, but no less meaningful. Vice President candidate Katie McGinnis and Presidential candidate Rachael Ferguson are both running unopposed on Wednesday. 

McGinnis is a current freshman who started SGA on the Freshman Leadership Council and was elected to Freshman Class President. She’s ready to take on the challenge of an executive role next year.

“I’m really ready to take my leadership experience to the next level and serve the entire student body,” said McGinnis.

When asked her top priority for next year, McGinnis said she admired how current Vice President Rachael Ferguson served as a liaison between the SGA Senate and the Student Body. She wants to be a transparent, collaborative leader.

Future SGA President Rachael Ferguson used her speech time to show how she is preparing to serve the student body. She prepared an organized document listing all the tasks she and other Executives will work on all summer. 

Ferguson wants to continue favorite SGA traditions like SGA Grill and Chill and the Student Body Formal, and she also wants to help students’ ideas come to life. At the end of her time, Ferguson shared a link to a form for students to answer the question, “What do you want to see on campus?”

Ferguson’s speech concluded the night, and all the students were invited to mingle and eat free Crumbl cookies. Candidates hugged, high-fived and took photos together on their way out.

Lipscomb students can vote for their 2026-2027 SGA Executive Officers via email on Wednesday, April 7th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Feature image of Matthew Brown, Junior Class Vice President candidate, taken by Arlie Akers.