Running For President:

Jessica St. Pierre, business administration sophomore from Thibodaux

Give me a little background information about yourself.

I have been a Senator in the Student Government Association for two years and currently serve as the judiciary chairperson and senator of business administration.  I also participate in many other organizations on campus including, Sigma Sigma Sigma, National Panhellenic Council, Circle K, Green Club and Women Involved in Self-Empowerment.  I serve as a student member on several university committees and the student advisory board.

What issues are you looking to resolve if elected?

If elected, I intend to push for more student involvement.  I am looking forward to working with the student body to resolve issues that have not been addressed thus far.  I am also looking forward to hearing the students’ concerns. There is no challenge that I will not take on.  Every student on campus deserves to have his or her voice heard and issues addressed.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I will not back away from a challenge. I live to solve problems and make things better.  I am not afraid to be the voice of the student body.  I will make your issues known to the administration and work diligently until we get the desired outcome.  In addition, I am a diverse person. Considering my outgoing personality, I can relate to the student body of Nicholls in a way that many people cannot. Every concern matters to me and I will do everything possible to make sure every student’s voice is heard.

How has your major here at Nicholls prepared you for this position?

Being a business major has prepared me for this position in many ways.  Along with learning about how government works, how laws work, and how business as a whole works, the greatest thing my classes have taught me is being able to take on a challenge.  I believe that college is not just a learning experience in the classroom, but also a great learning experience through interactions with other students and faculty.

What do you think your most difficult task will be if you are elected?

Although I am confident that I have the ability to manage all aspects of our student government and conquer all tasks that I am faced with; if I had to pick one that might be difficult it would be getting the majority of students involved in Nicholls.  I, with the help of my executive board, will work relentlessly to get the students involved. I want Nicholls to be what the students want it to be. I will always push for Colonel advancement and the betterment of Nicholls State University.

What qualities do you possess that qualify you for this position?

Qualities that I possess that qualify me for the position of Student Government Association president are my strong work ethic, my friendly and outgoing personality, my time management and organizational skills, my dedication to Nicholls and my ever-present strive for improvement. Along with these qualities, I also have the knowledge of how the organization works and the experience gained from being an active senator for two years.

If your teachers could describe you in one word, what would it be?

If my teachers were asked to describe me in one word, I think, across the board, they would describe me as “dedicated.”  I am dedicated to my schoolwork, as well as many other aspects of campus life.

Who is your role model and why?

Aside from the typical role model figures, the person who I look up to in life is my mother, Kelly Taylor St. Pierre.  I will be fortunate to be nearly as successful in all aspects of life as she has been.  She has juggled being a great mother of two children while having a full time job working in the insurance business for over 20 years.  She has always been involved with school programs and other community activities and has encouraged me to be involved as well.

How important is teamwork to you?

I believe teamwork is essential for tasks to be accomplished in the most effective and timely way.  I also believe that teamwork is a great strategy for success.  By working together, we, the student body, can accomplish great things for ourselves and for Nicholls State University.

Melissa Cloutet, management junior from Covington

Give me a little background information about yourself.

I’ve been involved in Student Government Association since my freshman year as a senator for the College of Business.  I’m currently serving on the executive board as the director of public relations.

What issues are you looking to resolve if elected?

An issue I would like to resolve is SGA transparency.  I want students and organizations to form a closer bond and work together with the SGA.  We are here to represent them and make sure their voice is heard.  If elected, I am confident the students will be informed of all SGA matters.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

My experience and dedication in SGA definitely sets me apart from the other candidates. SGA is the only organization I am involved in, so 100 percent of my time will be spent on providing for the students. Being on the executive board and working closely with President Matthew Jewell has prepared me to become president. I have learned the valuable skills needed to represent the entire student body. As a Senator in 2011-2012 I received the Most Outstanding Senator Award. This award is given to only one senator who shows commitment to SGA throughout the entire year. Being on the executive board as the director of public relations, I’ve worked closely with organizations and I am aware of their needs.

How has your major here at Nicholls prepared you for this position?

Being involved in the College of Business as a management major has prepared me for the presidential position. Management is the act of leading organizations to accomplish goals by working together. I will strive to make sure the students are represented and their voice is heard. Management also involves one key factor: leadership. I am a true leader of this University by staying active in the Student Government Association and other University committees.

What do you think your most difficult task will be if you are elected?

My most difficult task will be encouraging students to be more involved and care about campus activities including the Student Government Association. The students need to be aware of all of the services SGA offers. We are their voice, and they need to be aware of everything we can do for them. I want the students to feel a sense of pride whenever thinking about their education received at Nicholls.  

What qualities do you possess that qualify you for this position?
I possess leadership skills and dedication toward the Student Government Association. I am 100 percent dedicated to SGA and this University.  I care about the students’ voices, and I will make sure they are heard. I’ve learned valuable skills and qualities needed to become president by working on the executive board. I am extremely responsibl
e and I will take this position very seriously. Another skill I possess is openness. I want to hear the students’ voices: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Every issue that is brought to the senate is handled responsibly and with every ounce of effort.

If your teachers could describe you in one word, what would it be?

My professors would describe me as friendly. I work in the College of Business as a student assistant so I am able to form a closer relationship with each of them. I always have a smile on my face and I always help them whenever needed.

Who is your role model and why?

The SGA President Matthew Jewell is my role model. Working so closely with him this year, I have truly admired his work ethic. I watched him grow as a senator, vice president and now president. Matthew puts 100 percent dedication into anything he does. I admire his ability to make sure the students’ voices are heard by staying connected with the student body and University officials. He has shaped me into being a better person.

How important is teamwork to you?

Teamwork is extremely important to me. As a management major, I’ve learned the skills needed to understand and appreciate teamwork. Teamwork is present in the Student Government Association because we serve as a liaison between the students and administration. As a team, the executive board and the senate work together to make sure students voices are heard.

Running for Vice President:

Adam Lefort, business administration freshman from Thibodaux

Give me a little background information about yourself.

I am a member of the Student Government Association senate as a freshman senator and Campus Improvements Chair.  I am also a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Honors Program, and Circle K.

What issues are you looking to resolve if elected?

I will to continue what I am doing as campus improvements chair to help keep the University a beautiful well-maintained campus because it will help improve the image of Nicholls for students and visitors.  I would also work closely with the SGA senate to facilitate more student involvement on campus and increase school spirit.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I grew up in Thibodaux, and I have always had a deep connection with Nicholls, so I have unique insights into the University as a long time visitor and student.  Also, my position as campus improvements chair allows me to work with important administrators at Nicholls.

How has your major here at Nicholls prepared you for this position?

I am majoring in business administration, and through my classes I have gained much awareness into the business world.  Knowing how organizations are run is a practical asset to working with the senate and fellow students.

What do you think your most difficult task will be if you are elected?

Time management would be my most difficult task; however, I am confident that I will be able to balance my SGA responsibilities, schoolwork, and other organizations.

What qualities do you possess that qualify you for this position?

I am an outgoing individual who is a committed and reliable leader. Last semester, I received a Senator Scholarship, which is voted on by the senate to a senator who demonstrates dedication and leadership in SGA.

If your teachers could describe you in one word, what would it be?

Insightful

Who is your role model and why?

There is no single person who is my role model.  Many people worked together to help guide me to where I am today.   

How important is teamwork to you?

Teamwork is very important.  As SGA vice president, I would work closely with the senate and other committees to help better the University. 

Shiena Normand, biology freshman from Niceville, Fla.

Give me a little background information about yourself.

I have three years of experience in Student Government Association, not only at the university/college level but also on the state level.  I am a third year transfer student from Northwest Florida State College.  This is my second semester at Nicholls and my second semester involved with the Nicholls State University Student Government Association.

What issues are you looking to resolve if elected?
At Nicholls, we are very fortunate that our Student Government Association does not have any major problems compared to other Universities across the country. We are an extremely organized, efficient and transparent organization under admirable leadership and we all genuinely care about the well being of the students. If elected vice president, the only issue I can look at resolving is dissolving the mystery of Student Government Association to outside students. Students not involved with our organization believe that SGA is a private organization closed off to everyone. It’s really the opposite! Every student is a member of SGA if they pay fees and hold 7 credit hours! I would stress the importance of constant communication with our senators to students and I encourage students to talk to SGA members about what’s going on with our organization.
 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
My previous experience and leadership in Student Government and other organizations is what distinguishes me from the other candidates.  At my previous college I was also highly involved with Student Government for the two years I attended, holding several officer positions including sergeant at arms and historian during my first year of college and vice presidential pro-tempore for my second year. In addition to being vice presidential pro-tempore for my college I was also District 4 assistant coordinator for the state of Florida. The state of Florida is broken up into 4 districts, District 4 comprises of 9 different colleges from Pensacola to Gainesville with 21 different college campuses. The District 4 assistant coordinator is essentially the vice president of the District. In addition to being highly involved with Student Government I was also the Speech and Debate Team Captain consecutively for two years and the lead student ambassador. Currently at Nicholls, I am a Senator for the College of Arts and Science, the Chair of the Finance Committee and I am currently serving as the Vice Presidential Pro-Tempore and on several different University Committees. I am highly involved on campus with several different organizations and I have grown to love being a Colonel at Nicholls! My experience and loyalty to organizations like Student Government are what sets me apart from the other candidates.
 

How has your major here at Nicholls prepared you for this position?
My major has a
llowed me to interact with different students on campus and has taught me how to think both logically and analytically. My previous school had limited Bachelor programs so I am extremely grateful that I have the opportunity to study a subject I have wanted to study since I graduated high school. Being a biology major makes me appreciate the complexities of life and helps me not take anything for granted. With everything I have going on at school, biology forces me to stay organized and goal orientated.
 

What do you think your most difficult task will be if you are elected?
The most difficult task I will be faced with if elected, would be proving to the students in the senate and the student body that they have put their trust in the right hands and trying my best to equally represent all the students.
 

What qualities do you possess that qualify you for this position?
I am an experienced, ambitious and dedicated leader loyal to the Student Government Association.
 

If your teachers could describe you in one word, what would it be?
Ambitious.
 

Who is your role model and why?
My two role models would have to be my two loving parents who have been nothing but supportive, magnanimous and inspiring. My father is a retired Master E.O.D. Technician, for the US Navy and is a combination of Chuck Norris and Clint Eastwood. My mother is a native from the Philippines and has raised 3 children all while pursuing her own education; she is a combination of Wonder Woman and a tiger. They have lived through a volcano and other natural disasters including my years as an adolescent.
 

How important is teamwork to you?
Teamwork is important because one person cannot carry the organization alone. In order for an organization to be successful you have to have the leadership that properly delegates tasks and the members that are willing to work. 

Alexandra Stoufflet, mass communication junior from Harvey

Give me a little background information about yourself.

I graduated from Academy of Our Lady in 2010. I have been involved in Student Government, Nicholls Cheerleading, Phi Mu Fraternity, Choir, and I am a student worker at the Nicholls admissions office.

What issues are you looking to resolve if elected?

I was in Student Government my freshman and sophomore year where I was very involved. I ran for vice president last year and unfortunately did not get elected. I was not on the SGA senate this year, and I have gotten to experience and see things from a new eye. I feel like there is a lot more that the SGA can do for the average student. If elected my goal is to improve all students experience and help make the college life easier.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have been a student at this University for three years. I work in the admissions office, which has taught me valuable information about the Nicholls system.  I think that unlike the other candidates I was not in SGA this past year after being highly involved on campus; I can bring a real change to the order in which actions are taken.  I believe I know Nicholls better, and have obtained the recourses over the past three years to improve this University.  

How has your major here at Nicholls prepared you for this position?

My major is public relations, and it has prepared me to speak and taught me good ethics. I have learned to create and promote images, events, and ideas. It has helped me become a strategic thinker and has introduced me to professional techniques. I love my major!

What do you think your most difficult task will be if you are elected?

I honestly don’t think I will have a difficult time. I am fully prepared for the responsibilities I would gain. I love my University, and I believe I will have a strong support system from the SGA and the students.

What qualities do you possess that qualify you for this position?

I believe I am personable, have good time management, friendly, good speaking skills, hard working, and committed. I always get the job done.

If your teachers could describe you in one word, what would it be?

Stoofinator or Princess

Who is your role model and why?

My parents, they are the strongest people I know.

How important is teamwork to you?

You can be a good leader without teamwork. In order to make a change in anything it is important to be able to work with others.