STUDENT LIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIAL CLUBS I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIONS A FOR STUDENT ASSOCIATION Senior Hallie Hite became the third woman to lead the Student Association as pr·esident. W ith a predominate pattern of male Student Association (SA) presidents, seniors Hallie Hite and NorJaohnson made Harding history when they were elected into the offices of president and vice president. According to Johnson, the president and vice president duo was the first female pair to be elected. "It's been an honor from the student body to become one of the three female presidents," Hite said. "I do not see myself any differently in function from any other president, but I have appreciated the faith everyone has had in me." Hite and Johnson implemented a timely idea encouraging students to "be present." This initiative was intended to educate students to think environmentally through recycling, spiritually as they walk with Christ, communally as they find new ways to serve and personally to be in touch with who they are and how each of chem are doing. The duo pushed for an environmental initiative to encourage recycling and to create a better connection within the Searcy community. They worked with the White County Relations Committee to produce more ideas for students to work with surrounding neighbors. "I really loved Hallie's idea of 'being present' with the students and the way she has interacted with them," SA Staff Advisor and Director of Campus Life Logan Light said. "The students elected a female president in a time where they were looking for female representation." Light described Hite as having a newness factor to her and being a person to whom the students and faculty have responded well. Hite found that the most rewarding part about her presidency was engaging with people she would not have normally met. "Being president taught me how narrow my group of friends was," Hite said. "It has been precious to have people walk up and introduce themselves. People offered suggestions and cried to build a positive community." Hite relied on the SA sponsors' and role models' experience and advice during her time as president. Vice President of Parent and Alumni Relations Liz Howell and Vice President of University Communication and Enrollment Jana Rucker were two sources of encouragement along with Associate Professor of English Dr. Amy Qualls, her mother, grandmothers, Assistant Dean ofStudents Ranan Hester and Assistant Dean ofStudents Kara Abston. Johnson served alongside Hite as vice president and was in charge ofsupporting and organizing the SA committees. Johnson described the committees as a cohesive group that worked well together as a team. Hite and Johnson both acknowledged each other's ability to work with and for people. "It is cool to be the first female president and vice president duo," Johnson said. "Hallie is very well-spoken, structured and poised. As president, she did a great job speaking on behalf of the student body, everybody, not just for herself and her friends." story by Lexi Hoagland 277 I STUDENT ASSOCIATION
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