Union University
Student Leadership & Engagement

Student Leadership & Engagement

Student Leadership & Engagement > SGA > Officers

Executive Officers


Kylie McDonald
SGA President

  • Graduation year: 2013
  • Hometown: Fort Mill, SC
  • Major: International Relations
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Focus Leadership Team, GO Week Leadership Team, Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, Debate Team
  • Why SGA?: I love SGA because I wholeheartedly believe that the 24 student leaders I work with on AllStaff can make a profound difference on this campus. I've seen that impact personally and have grown because of it. Serving alongside them and learning under the direction of Dr. Dockery has taught me more about Christ-centered leadership than any other opportunity I have had.
  • About me: I'm an elephant enthusiast, an adventurer at heart, a traveling story-teller, and a firm believer in the glory of a good prank.
  • What impact would you like SGA to have on campus this year?: I want to see SGA fulfill its role as the umbrella organization to student leaders on campus. We need to be approachable, striving for excellence ourselves, and fostering leadership on campus through every avenue we possibly can.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: chatting in Barefoots, working in the SGA office, or cuddled up in my roommate's bed.
  • Describe Union in three words: What social life?
  • Most Memorable Union Experience: The possibilities are endless, but my Sophomore year, four of my friends and I spontaneously road-tripped to St. Louis and spent the weekend touring the arch, playing in the City Museum, and continuing our tradition of visiting beverage factories. Those friendships and laughable memories still warm my heart.
  • Favorite Campus Event: Howdy Party, hands down. Awkward encounters, sticky snocones, loud music, and all.


Jordan Wilson
SGA Vice President

  • Graduation year: 2013
  • Hometown: Paducah, KY
  • Major: Accounting
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Students In Free Enterprise, Focus Leadership Team
  • Why SGA?: I want to be a leader on campus, help foster community and make campus better.
  • About me: Huge Kentucky Wildcats fan! I want to be a CPA, but I'm not a nerd.
  • What impact would you like SGA to have on campus this year?: I want SGA to be approachable for all students.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: Brewer, a friend's room or napping in my room
  • Describe Union in three words: sidewalk, tornadoes, Dockery
  • Favorite Unionism: sneak dating
  • What makes Union unique?: Union is small enough that you feel easily connected, but it's a large enough campus that you are always able to meet someone new.
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: I am blessed to get to live and learn in an environment where the Christian faith is encouraged rather than discouraged.


Kirby Lewis
SGA Secretary

  • Graduation year: 2013
  • Hometown: Lexington, TN
  • Major: Political Science
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Focus, TISL
  • Why SGA?: I chose to be involved with SGA because of the opportunity to serve students, to work closely with administration, and to make Union a better place.
  • About me: Crossfitter, reader, CNN watcher, world traveler, and language lover.
  • Why Union?: Union has a sense of community that is rare on college campuses. The small classes and caring professors create a people-driven dynamic in the midst of Union's dedication to excellent education.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: At work. It's this new thing I'm trying.
  • Describe Union in three words: community, excellence, bizarre
  • Favorite Unionism: hipsters
  • Most memorable experience at Union: Fall Break with my best friends. FBXII til I die!
  • What makes Union unique?: It's the only school I've visited that encourages students to bond together to seek excellence in the academic, leadership, and personal lives of its students.
  • Favorite campus event: Sophomore Class Bonfire, 2010
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: It has helped me grow as person and a leader.


Savannah Hari
SGA Treasurer

  • Graduation year: 2014
  • Hometown: Nashville, TN
  • Major: Sports Medicine
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Chi Omega, University Relations Ambassador
  • About me: I am passionate about kids and missions. I loved being involved in different things and continually challenging myself to learn and grow.
  • Why Union?: My family has gone to Union for four generations... it's in my blood!
  • Describe Union in three words: nerf guns, tornadoes, Bell Tower
  • Favorite Unionism: sidewalk couples
  • Most memorable experience at Union: Romania GO Trip
  • What makes Union unique?: The sense of community.
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: I have relationships centered around Christ. I never truly had that before Union and it's pretty awesome!


Executive Cabinet


Jeff Thompson
SAC President


Jeff Lancaster
PR Coordinator

  • Graduation year: 2014
  • Hometown: Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Major: Digital Media Studies- Comm Arts
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, AIGA, UU Judo, DMS Society, Mu Kappa
  • Why SGA?: I really wanted the opportunity to serve others on campus, but also to ensure that SGA maintains a strong visual presence on campus.
  • About me: I grew up in Texas and then Southeast Asia for the most part and am so thankful for all the opportunities that has afforded me. I love to have a good time and figure things out as they are happenings and hope to continue finding ways to incorporate graphic design into my life and all the work that I do. Also, who doesn't love long walks on the beach?
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: Jamming with my roommates, screen printing in my bathtub, or making all the monies in the library.
  • Describe Union in three words: Red, Brick, Jesus
  • Most memorable experience at Union: My friends and I plugged in a cheap blender out behind Rogers freshman year and blended a bunch of glowsticks together. It was great fun until I almost lost an eye.
  • Favorite campus event: Open Mic Night
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: I have met some wonderful people that have inspired me to excel in my work, my relationship, and my walk with the Lord.


Abbey Orr
Freshman Council Mentor

  • Graduation year: 2015
  • Hometown: Jackson, TN
  • Major: Elementary Education
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Chi Omega, STEA, University Relations Ambassador
  • Why SGA?: I chose SGA because I felt that it gave me an excellent opportunity to get involved with my class and the Union community.
  • About me: I love to do crafts and I love Pinterest along with playing intramurals. I lead a small group in the youth at my church.
  • What impact would you like SGA to have on campus?: I would love to see the student body come together regardless of their different organizations to make a difference on Union's campus.
  • Describe Union in three words: quirky, fun, entertaining
  • Favorite Unionism: Wrap Wednesday
  • Most memorable experience at Union: Living in Heritage
  • Favorite campus event: Variety Show
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: I have grown a lot even after one year at Union. I have found that my friends, advisors and professors are so encouraging and have provided an ideal environment for me to be successful.


Haaken Magnuson
Freshman Council Mentor

  • Graduation year: 2015
  • Hometown: Louisville, KY
  • Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, ResLife, Young Alums
  • About me: I am pretty random. Love people. Love my Savior. I like to explore, take pictures and sing songs. Also, I want to be a denist.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: Usually in the Bowld or in the Brewer
  • Most memorable experience at Union: Going up the Bell Tower...twice.
  • Favorite campus event: Movie on the Lawn


James Barbee
Attorney General

  • Graduation year: 2013
  • Hometown: Ripley, TN
  • Major: Elementary Education
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Alpha Tau Omega, Focus Leader, TISL, University Relations Ambassador, Campus & Community Committee, Abraham's Alter Committee
  • Why SGA?: I wanted to become involved with something that allowed me to grow, not just as a leader, but as a leader wanting to make a difference and contribute to Union.
  • About me: I am the youngest of 4 boys, first generation college student, love to laugh, exercise and read.
  • Why Union?: I wanted to attend a university that allowed me to glorify Christ and be afforded the opportunity to grow spiritually, socially and academically,
  • What impact would you like SGA to have on campus?: I would like to see SGA be a transparent organization. Students don't fully understand the purpose of SGA, so I hope that this year we can show them who we are and what we do.
  • Describe Union in three words: Excellence in everything
  • Favorite Unionism: legit
  • Most memorable experience at Union: The Alpha Tau Omega 2011 Christmas Party... I pop-lock-and-dropped it one too many times and, needless to say, my parents added jeans to my Christmas list.
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: It has inspired me to be an avid part of something grater than myself. Seeing professors so willing to sacrifice time and resources is incredible and makes me proud to say that I attended an institution such as this.


Ashley Smith
Chief of Staff

  • Graduation year: 2014
  • Hometown: Jackson, TN
  • Major: Business/Marketing
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Chi Omega, Students In Free Enterprise, Student Services Committee
  • Why SGA?: I want to leave Union a better place than it was when I began as a freshman.
  • About me: Besides hanging out with my friends, two of my favorite things are fashion and coffee.
  • What impact would you like SGA to have on campus?: I would like SGA to encourage a sense of unity among the student body.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: Hanging out with friends in the Brewer, the Chi Omega house or my room
  • Describe Union in three words: Unique, engaging, one-of-a-kind
  • Favorite Unionism: sidewalk couples
  • Favorite campus event: Howdy Party. This event is so exciting because you get to see old friends, meet new ones and it signifies the start of a new semester.


Chelsea Meiss
SGA Ambassador


Class Officers


Anika Strand
Senior Class President

  • Graduation year: 2013
  • Hometown: Knoxville, TN
  • Major: Social Work
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Chi Omega, Go Week Leadership Team, University Relations Ambassador
  • Why SGA?: I love Union and being involved on campus. The people on SGA make it a really fun, outgoing and an effective way to give back to my school.
  • About me: I am very outgoing and generally shameless when it comes to being weird. I love crafting and I care deeply about people. I love getting to know people and growing deep, meaningful relationships with them.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: Either crafting in my room or playing with my friends.
  • What makes Union unique?: I chose Union because of its unwavering dedication to Christ, its academic rigor and the smaller student body population.
  • Favorite campus event: Be Our Guest. You get in good with faculty and you get a free home cooked meal.
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: Not only do I feel loved and supported by my friends and fellow students, but by the faculty as well. I know that I am genuinely caped for and they are concerned about what's going on in my life. It makes Union feel like a home away from home.


Wil Story
Senior Class Vice President

  • Graduation year: 2013
  • Hometown: Memphis, TN
  • Major: Psychology
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Focus, SIFE, Alpha Tau Omega
  • Why SGA?: I wanted to do Student Government because it was something I had never done before. I also wanted to get more involved on campus, as well as getting to know new people across campus.
  • About me: I love all smoothies and enjoy playing sand volleyball. My favorite things are chocolate, lucky charms, and anything strawberry.
  • What impact would you like SGA to have on campus?: I would love for SGA to connect different student groups across campus to make Union a better, more connected university.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: Brewer Dining Hall
  • Describe Union in three words: Quirky, hilarious, relational
  • Most memorable experience at Union: Freshman year during a weekend of tornados, a group of friends and I all piled into a living room and watched movies all day.
  • What makes Union unique?: There are tons of eclectic groups of people here and Union encourages us to learn who we are and then to be ourselves while creating community with people totally different than ourselves.
  • Favorite campus event: Open Parties and Variety Show
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: Union has allowed me to become the person I want to be and continue to strive for. I've been given opportunities to see myself grow mentally and spiritually. I've also had the chance to meet some amazing people and watch them impact Union.


Molly Bricker
Senior Class Secretary

  • Graduation year: 2013
  • Hometown: Greenfield, MA
  • Major: Family Studies
  • Involvement at Union: SGA and Sociology Club
  • Why SGA?: SGA is an awesome way to interact with students and help give them a sense of ownership on campus.
  • About me: I'm from the north and I have the attitude to go with it. I love running and going to classes at the gym, I wear a touch of cheetah print almost every day and hip-hop/R&B is the music of my soul.
  • Why Union?: God must have wanted me here. He closed the other doors and kept me here even when I fought it. Now I am thankful!
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: Lounging in my leopard print snuggie
  • Describe Union in three words: weird, great, southern
  • Favorite Unionism: Camp Union
  • Favorite campus event: Homecoming
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: The Union community has taught me a lot about living and interacting with people from all different cultures and backgrounds and about accepting people where they are and letting people accept me where I am.


Jake Ryan
Senior Class Treasurer

  • Graduation year: 2013
  • Hometown: Roger, AR
  • Major: International Business
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Alpha Tau Omega, Focus Leader
  • Why SGA?: It's a great way to get involved in student activities around campus and a great way to meet new people and it's a lot of fun.
  • About me: I grew up in new Arkansas, I have three brothers, I love exercising and staying in shape. I also really enjoy reading and long walks on the beach.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: The Wellness Center or hanging out with friends
  • Describe Union in three words: weird, fun, challenging
  • Favorite Unionism: Union couples
  • Most memorable experience at Union: A road trip to see the Alabama/Arkansas football game with friends freshman year
  • What makes Union unique?: The faculty and staff that truly care about the students and want to help us in any way they can.
  • Favorite campus event: Homecoming


Holly Harris
Junior Class President

  • Graduation year: 2014
  • Hometown: Hendersonville, TN
  • Major: Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Chi Omega, TISL, Klemata Bible Study
  • Why SGA?: I love getting to know my class and being able to voice their ideas to administration.
  • About me: I enjoy youth ministry, reading, studying, other languages and cultures, taking naps, dancing and the color pink.
  • What impact would you like to SGA to have on campus this year?: I would like for students to be able to see their ideas make a difference through Senate.
  • Favorite Unionism: Chicken Wrap Wednesday
  • Favorite campus event: Movie on the Lawn or Variety Show


Luke Trammell
Junior Class Vice President


Morgan Turner
Junior Class Secretary

  • Graduation year: 2013
  • Hometown: Nashville, TN
  • Major: Social Work
  • Involvement at Union: SGA and Chi Omega
  • Why SGA?: I wanted to get involved and meet new people my freshman year. I really enjoyed freshman council so I stuck with SGA.
  • About me: I am graduating a year early so actually I'm a senior as junior council treasurer. I love the beach, chocolate milk and Friday night Lights, sports and all things related.
  • Why Union?: I felt welcome every time I came to visit. I know I wanted a smaller school and I fell in love with Union.
  • Favorite campus event: Variety Show


Stefan Rabenhorst
Junior Class Treasurer


Tim Zornes
Sophomore Class President


Jenaye White
Sophomore Class Vice President

  • Graduation year: 2015
  • Hometown: Paducah, KY
  • Major: Broadcast Journalism
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Honors Community, LifeGroups, Jackson 24-7, College Republicans
  • Why SGA?: It's a great way to be involved in leading your class, helping them grow closer together and furthering Union's mission.
  • About me: I love music, enjoy playing tennis and ping pong, watching a good movie with friends and meeting new people.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: Playing ping-pong, playing the piano, hanging out at Barefoots or taking a nap
  • Most memorable experience at Union: a flashmob in the cafeteria to What Makes You Beautiful
  • Favorite campus event: Hollaback Party
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: I have grown spiritually through the influence of godly peers, leaders and professors and being encouraged to follow the Lord's lead and calling for my life.


Christa Seyler
Sophomore Class Secretary

  • Graduation year: 2015
  • Hometown: San Antonio, TX
  • Major: Nursing
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, SNA, Library Committee, Life 139 News Coordinator
  • About me: I love horses, anatomy & physiology and Jesus. I enjoy a mixture of things such as oranges, running, Barefoots Joe, and cloudy days. I am a Jersey girl all the way, but I have come to love the south.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: Barefoots
  • Describe Union in three words: Home Sweet Home
  • Favorite campus event: Movie on the Lawn
  • How has the Union community impacted you?: Union = community. Because of the strong community here, I have been able to connect easily with upperclassmen, leadership and my professors. I have grown so much in my academic and spiritual life from those who took the time and effort to incorporate me into Union's community.


Caleb Valentine
Sophomore Class Treasurer

  • Graduation year: 2015
  • Hometown: Walworth, WI
  • Major: Christian Studies
  • Involvement at Union: SGA, Debate Team, LifeGroup Leader
  • Why SGA?: SGA gives me an opportunity to make a positive, tangible difference on campus. I also get to work with a lot of great people.
  • About me: I'm a proud northerner who is blessed to study at Union. I hope to go to seminary after my time here. My favorite activities include reading, spending time with people and riding my motorcycle.
  • Why Union? The school of Theology & Missions is fantastic, and Union as a whole is full of opportunities.
  • What impact would you like to SGA to have on campus this year?: I would love it if SGA was able to help bring the diverse parts of the student body into a closer community.
  • When you are not studying or working on projects, where can you be found on campus?: It changes daily.
  • Describe Union in three words: quirky, layered, significant
  • Most memorable experience at Union: Traveling with the debate team
  • Favorite campus event: Variety Show


Quick Links

Student Leadership & Engagement
Upcoming SGA Events
  • Aug 19, 2013 - SGA: Freshman Council Applications Available - more info - 2:00 p.m.

    Applications are available for freshmen students who are interested in serving on SGA. To apply, please visit: http://www.uu.edu/studentlife/sga/freshmancouncil.cfm
  • Aug 19, 2013 - SGA: Howdy Party - 8:00 p.m.

    Join SGA and the rest of the student body to kick-off the fall semester! Catch up with friends and enjoy free snacks!
  • Aug 30, 2013 - SGA: Freshman Council Applications Due - 4:00 p.m.
  • Sep 4, 2013 - SGA: Student Senate Meeting - 9:30 p.m.
  • Sep 18, 2013 - SGA: Student Senate Meeting - 9:30 p.m.
  • Oct 2, 2013 - SGA: Student Senate Meeting - 9:30 p.m.
  • Oct 15 - Nov 1, 2013 - SGA: Executive Officer Petitions Available - 8:00 a.m.

    For more information on running for a SGA Executive Office, please visit: http://www.uu.edu/studentlife/sga/campaign.cfm
  • Oct 16, 2013 - SGA: Student Senate Meeting - 9:30 p.m.
  • Oct 30, 2013 - SGA: Ask the Doc - Student Senate with Dr. Dockery - 9:30 p.m.

    Dr. Dockery will be the guest speaker at Senate this Wednesday at 9:30pm in Harvey Auditorium. Come prepared to ask questions and find out the latest information affecting the Union community. There will also be a time of regular Senate legislation. The Student Senate is the legislative body of and for the students of Union University. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend!
  • Nov 1, 2013 - SGA: Executive Officer Petitions Due - 4:00 p.m.
Upcoming Leadership Program Events
  • Aug 16 - Aug 19, 2013 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Focus (New Student Orientation) - more info - 9:00 p.m.
  • Aug 19, 2013 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Student Organization Fair - 2:00 p.m.

    Come find out how to get involved in student organizations on campus! Stop by the PAC main hallway to become familiar with many of the student organizations.
  • Aug 19, 2013 - Student Leadership & Engagement: New Student Orientation Dinner - 5:00 p.m.
  • Sep 24, 2013 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Student Organization President Leadership Summit - 9:00 p.m.

    This meeting is for all student organization presidents and will provide them with the opportunity to learn about all the policies governing student organizations. We will also hear from a local business leader on leadership. This meeting is required for all student organization presidents.
  • Jan 28, 2014 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Student Leadership Conference - 9:00 a.m.
  • Jan 28, 2014 - Student Leadership & Engagement: New Student Orientation Dinner - 5:00 p.m.
  • Feb 10 - Feb 28, 2014 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Focus Leader Applications Available - 8:00 p.m.

    Apply to be a 2014 Focus leader! Applications and letters of recommendation are due by February 28 at 4:00pm. Complete the online application here: http://www.uu.edu/studentservices/orientation/focusleaders.cfm
  • Feb 21, 2014 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Student Organization Fair - 11:00 a.m.

    Come find out how to get involved in student organizations on campus! Stop by the PAC main hallway to become familiar with many of the student organizations.
  • Feb 28, 2014 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Focus Leader Applications Due - 4:00 p.m.
  • Apr 8 - Apr 9, 2014 - Student Leadership & Engagement: Student Organization President Leadership Summit - 9:00 p.m.

    This meeting is for all student organization presidents and will provide them with the opportunity to learn about all the policies governing student organizations. We will also hear from a local business leader on leadership. This meeting is required for all student organization presidents.
Upcoming SAC Events
  • Aug 18, 2013 - SAC: Game Show - 8:30 p.m.
  • Aug 23, 2013 - SAC: Movie on the Lawn - 8:00 p.m.
  • Sep 27, 2013 - SAC: Movie on the Lawn (Family Weekend) - 2:00 p.m.
  • Oct 5, 2013 - SAC: A-maz-ing Festival (Corn Maze) - 2:00 p.m.
  • Nov 2, 2013 - SAC: Casey Jones Festival - 2:00 p.m.
  • Dec 5, 2013 - SAC: Carl Perkins Christmas (Bowld) - 4:00 p.m.
  • Dec 6, 2013 - SAC: Movie in the Bowld - 8:00 p.m.
  • Jan 10, 2014 - SAC: Movie in the Bowld - 8:00 p.m.
  • Feb 14, 2014 - SAC: V-Show early Audition - 2:00 p.m.
  • Feb 22, 2014 - SAC: Homecoming Concert - 2:30 p.m.
Office Contact Information
  • Office phone: 731.661.5094 or 731.661.5244
  • Office fax: 731.661.5017
  • Mailing address:
    Campus Box 1806
    1050 Union University Drive
    Jackson, TN 38305