Williams, Malone Elected Student Government Association President and Vice President

JONESBORO – Arkansas State University (A-State) students have elected Jake Williams as president of the Student Government Association (SGA) for 2025-2026, along with vice presidential candidate Kate Malone.

The SGA election took place on March 19-20, with results announced a few hours after voting concluded on March 20.

Williams is a sophomore business administration major from Piggott.

"I'm looking forward to bringing people together and building a stronger sense of community on campus. I'm especially excited because I believe there is a lot of power in connecting students and working together toward common goals," Williams said.

Malone, a sophomore strategic communication major from Germantown, Tenn., was elected to the position of vice president. In her role, she will attend meetings, fill in gaps, and serve as a spokesperson for the student government.

"Jake is the positive presence I need when I'm caught up in the busywork. He reminds me of our why, which is for the students," Malone said.

The pair has an agenda of items they hope to address during their term.

"I just want to help create an environment where all students are proud to call A-State home. I also really want to do everything I can to support student organizations and make campus life more collaborative. If I had to pick one thing to emphasize as SGA president, it would be making SGA more accessible and ensuring students know that we're here to listen and act on their ideas," Williams said.

Malone echoed Williams' remarks.

"During my time as vice president, I hope to accomplish a lot. I want students to walk onto this campus feeling like they are part of something bigger than themselves. I hope to be someone people can come to in order to turn their ideas into reality. I also hope to help create a more efficient A-State," Malone said.

Williams and Malone ran against Louis Gonzalez, a sophomore biology major from Kansas City, Mo., who ran for president, and Chauncey Betts, a sophomore strategic communication major from McGehee, who ran for vice president.

Danny Vivar, assistant director of student leadership, praised both candidates and their running mates.

"This is the first contested SGA president/vice president race since spring 2023. Both candidates did a great job campaigning and engaging with students," Vivar said.

The Leadership Center team was thrilled with the strong voter turnout, as more than 1,500 students cast ballots in the election. Before voting, SGA hosted a debate between the candidates, giving students a glimpse of those running for president and vice president.

Vivar emphasized the importance of SGA on campus. "Our students need to get involved because they are the voice of the students. They can brainstorm together on ways to make our university – our A-State – a better place."