By ABIGAIL SHEARER
Tiger Media Network
The Student Government Association met on Thursday and heard from FHSU Athletic Director Lisa Goddard McGuirk.
Goddard McGuirk started the night by sharing her background. She is from upstate New York and is entering her 17th year as a collegiate athletic director, serving four institutions.
She then went on to explain that a primary goal while being the athletic director is collaboration.
“I am excited to collaborate with SGA,” she said. “I believe there are opportunities to co-sponsor events that will enhance the student experience and foster Tiger pride. Also, I think there are opportunities to collaborate to deliver leader development programming to those who serve and participate in our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and SGA. As a community, we are stronger together.”
Goddard McGuirk also said she plans to eat lunch in the cafeteria on the first Thursday and third Tuesday of every month, to be open and accessible to the student body.
Her first initiative was having the first department charge session.
“It is important to me to hear the collective voices of our coaches and administration on what we value, our purpose, and what defines us,” she said. “This provides us with a foundation from which we will build, develop goals, and initiatives that will support our forward progress.”
Some of the items highlighted from the charge session were, but not limited to: commitment to a championship culture, commitment to the student-athlete experience and holistic development, academic success, service to the community, integrity, respect, and an overall commitment to excellence.
“[Our purpose is to] develop, support, and prepare our student-athletes as leaders, while striving for excellence in athletics, academics, and service to our community,” Goddard McGuirk said.
Goddard McGuirk also provided updates and highlights from the athletic department.
The tennis courts will be resurfaced and repainted at the end of the fall tennis season. The women’s cross-country team placed second at the JK Gold Classic, defeating Wichita State University. Emily Diercks placed first at the meet, which included 20 NCAA Division I runners. The team is currently ranked 23rd nationally.
Football is currently ranked 21st in the nation. The men’s soccer team is undefeated and currently ranked 13th nationally. Women’s volleyball is off to a 12-2 start. Cheer and dance programs have been brought under the umbrella of athletics.
The Senate then installed nine new members, who formally pledged their responsibilities as senators.
In New Business, five bills were up for first reading.
Resolution No. 25.F.101 proposed the following individuals be appointed to the Education Opportunity Fund Committee for the 2025-2026 academic year: Brenna Schwien, Harper Lubbers, Wyatt Trombley, and Htet Aung Win.
Bill No. 25.F.113 proposed for a line item change and new line creation for the Marketing Club.
These bills will be up for voting next week.
In Old Business, SGA voted on five bills.
Bill No. 25.F.108 proposed Levi Moltz as an At-Large Senator.
Bill No. 25.F.109 proposed Kyan Offutt as an At-Large Senator.
Bill No.25.F.110 had the Collegiate Model United Nations Club requesting new equipment.
Bill No.25.F.111 Fatou Penda Cisse has requested funds for a trip. This bill was amended to instead of the money being for a hotel stay, to be for a flight. This amendment was passed.
Bill No.25.F.112 Rahmatoulaye Thialaw Diop has requested funds for a trip. This bill was amended to instead of the money being for a hotel stay, to be for a flight. This amendment was passed.
All bills passed unanimously.
Announcements
- The Rudd Scholarship is open. Please share this with any high school senior you know.
SGA will reconvene at 7 p.m. next Thursday.