By Tori Carr, ASU-Beebe Public Relations Intern
This spring, as Ashley Clark prepared to walk across the stage at Arkansas State University-Beebe to receive her diploma, she took time to reflect on her term as Student Government Association (SGA) president.
At ASU-Beebe, Clark found her niche as a theater major, with an unwavering dedication to student advocacy.
Clark said she was involved in several clubs and organizations in high school, serving as president of the Future Business Leaders of America and vice president of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
“I got involved in SGA from being a student leader on campus, which is part of the student leadership experience,” Clark said. “I ran for president of the SGA because I wanted to help people and make things better for fellow students. Also, I’ve never been one to just come to class and then leave,” Clark said.
Clark said her main goal as SGA president was for the SGA to work on the food pantry and other resources on campus for students.
“We had gotten a lot of food donated for the food pantry. Our goal was to share donations with the food pantries on the Heber Springs and Searcy campuses.” Clark said.
In addition to the food pantry, Clark said the SGA focused on registered student organization (RSO) representation and roles of the senators on the council.
“The SGA is for everybody on campus, whether you live on campus or commute and we wanted to make sure that all the RSO senators knew that they had a voting place in the senate and a voice for the other students.”
Clark has certainly left an indelible mark on ASU-Beebe’s SGA. With a resolute focus on amplifying student voices and enhancing campus resources, Clark's tenure as SGA president has been defined by inclusivity, action and a profound commitment to fostering a vibrant campus community.
“SGA has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone because everyone looked to me for direction. There are many people I would not have met without SGA and it's helped me get out there more,” Clark said.
This fall, Clark plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in public relations at the University of Central Arkansas.
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