Featured Image: SGA Freshman Council President Mason Lovell covers his slide at the Student Government Association meeting on Thursday, March 5. (Pacer Photo / Madison Perryman)
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Student Government Association (SGA) held its biweekly meeting in the University Center room 111 (Legislative Room). Within the meeting, they discussed several topics involving both students and faculty.
Election season is quickly approaching for SGA, with applications being due on Friday, March 6. Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Dean of Students and SGA advisor John Abel communicated that he would confirm applications over the weekend.
SGA’s Chief Standards Officer, Libby Borowiak, has resigned from her position. Grant Kilen, current freshman council member, was appointed as the new Chief Standards Officer.
“I am really hoping to promote voting. It is important that the student body votes as the election season is quickly approaching,” said Kilen.
Other notable resignations are Senator at Large, Madelyn Tyler, and Speaker of the Senate, Lacy Collier.
Timothy S. Todd, Ph. D., was named the Interim Dean of the College of Business and Global Affairs. He has previously served as provost and vice president of academic affairs at Murray State University (MSU). He previously had a lawsuit against MSU over breach of contract due to his removal as provost. The case was dismissed by a Kentucky judge after the court was advised that both parties had resolved all claims.
The National College Health Assessment (NCHA) is open and available for all the schools in the UT System to complete. NCHA is an organization focused on creating healthy communities in which all students, faculty and staff can thrive. The survey will allow members of the UT System to measure and plan improvements for quality of life on each campus.
The current housing plan is for Browning Hall completely destroyed over the summer and begin construction of a new dormitory. Construction is currently scheduled to be done by fall 2028. The building will be home to freshmen and will hold about 400 beds. A similar plan is being enacted for Ellington Hall in the future. In order to counteract the loss in housing due to construction, the school is going to open an off-campus housing portal.
Student Health and Counseling are planning a new building next to the Student Rec Center. However, these plans are still in early development.
The Senate approved a budget for the school’s Dancing with the Skyhawks event of about $2,000. This budget will help cover scholarships for the winners, plaques for faculty participating, promotional material and refreshments.
The Freshman Council has planned its semester event, consisting of laser tag, inflatables, silent disco and 3v3 basketball.
Other notable mentions included the Student Owned Small Business Fair on April 2 and the idea of a college forum where students would get the ability to meet the deans of each college and ask them questions.
