Newly elected SGA executive president Grant Hitchcock says he is looking forward to the challenges of working with new campus administration and also promises to “listen” to others’ concerns as he plans to put his campaign platform to work.
Hitchcock, elected in a runoff April 6, is a bioscience and philosophy major, Lipscomb RA and SGA’s new executive president.
“I’m really excited about the transition, honestly,” said Hitchcock. The upcoming school year will look different on campus, with the anticipation of new administrations. This past semester, Lipscomb has seen the stepping down of President Randolph Lowry and Vice President of Student Life Al Sturgeon.
“I’m just looking forward to being able to represent students in this period of transition, with a new president and the new structure that is going to be laid out for SGA,” said Hitchcock.
Hitchcock also will be bringing along goals of his own, Expanding library hours and increasing opportunities for community defined his campaign platform.
“I want to hear the concerns that people have, the ideas that people have, and I want those ideas to hopefully come to fruition through this office,” said Hitchcock.
“We’re hoping to create a welcoming environment, and to promote SGA to that aspect as well.”
In the upcoming school year, Hitchcock will be bringing with him experience from both his time as a campus RA as well as from the past year serving on SGA. “As an RA on call for 24/7, anytime that anybody needs me, I’m there to help react and be there for them.”
“That’s what I want to do with this office,” said Hitchcock.
Hitchcock said he hopes the next school year will represent a return to normalcy, with SGA office hours and even a “Quest Weekend” for rising sophomores who missed out on the experience as incoming freshmen last summer because of COVID.
“Honestly, I just want to be able to listen to everybody,” he said.
Listening was an important element of Hitchcock’s platform, especially when it involves tense events on campus like the recent defaced Bison, he said.
“I think that the most helpful thing that has happened when it comes to those sorts of issues, is when Dr. Sturgeon had the discussion-based breakout chapel.
“I think that people’s questions were answered appropriately in that situation, people’s voices were heard, and we learned from each other in that breakout.”
Overall, Hitchcock’s message to Lipscomb students is one of gratitude, he said. “I’m very thankful that the student body trusts me to hold this position and voted for me.”
Photo via Grant Hitchcock