Lipscomb celebrates 100 years of student government

Abigail McQueen  |  09/27/2024

On Sept. 19, 1924, a landmark event happened on Lipscomb University’s campus: the first-ever meeting of what would one day become the Student Government Association (SGA). Ever since that day, student government has been an important part of life at Lipscomb.

“SGA’s purpose statement is ‘Enhance the student experience,’” says Rachel Ferguson, who is serving as the SGA executive secretary for the 2024-2023 school year. “This is something that’s referenced during weekly Senate meetings, when we’re trying to refocus our attention on the ‘big picture’ of SGA. Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the small details, but it’s important to remember that we are here to make all students’ college experiences better. Enhancing the student experience can look as small as passing out Chick-n-Minis in the stu or as big as hosting SGA’s Student Body Formal in the Shinn Center.”

It was a Friday evening 100 years ago on Sept. 19 when the student body of then-David Lipscomb College met in Harding Hall to adopt a form of student government that they called the student council. The original council was chosen by students and was made up of nine young men — six from the college department and three from the high school department — who supervised student life in various areas on campus. According to the 1925 Backlog, the charter members of the inaugural council were Roy Vaughn, John P. Lewis, Herman Taylor, Sterling Jones, Philip Parham, George Warren, Charles Smith, Andrew Mason and Graves Williams.

In the early days, one of the council’s responsibilities was to keep other students in line. In one instance, two boys were in trouble for spending more than their allotted time in a friend’s room, as it hindered the friend from studying. Other students had to make up for breaking rules by cleaning the entire residence hall or having to sit next to the president, H. Leo Boles, for a week during mealtimes. 

During the next few decades, the council experienced many changes. In 1935, a girls’ council was introduced, and in 1936, Willard Collins officially became the first president of the student body. On Jan. 15, 1936, the councils officially combined to form the All Student Association.

During the 1970s, Venson “Venny” Mathews made history as the first Black student body president. He played an important role in changing the school dress code, allowing women to wear pants on campus. By 1997, the All Student Association was known by its name today, the Student Government Association.

Janeyah Anderson is serving as the SGA president for the 2024-2025 school year. Not only she is Lipscomb’s first Black woman to fill the role, she is also the first SGA president to serve two terms. She was previously the SGA president during the 2023-2024 school year.

“I got involved in SGA on a bit of a whim,” she says. “But now, I’ve fallen in love with the connections I’ve made and the impact we can create. I truly believe God blessed me with a love for leadership, and I love using that to be a voice for others and bring real change to campus.”

Even during her few years at Lipscomb, she has seen many changes within SGA.

“SGA has flipped on its head. We have implemented a new kind of legislature…where senators can work towards tangible additions to campus that impact students’ lives,” she says. “With this addition, we have added a stairmaster in the Student Activities Center and added an ice machine to Elam Hall. SGA is currently working on a variety of events and initiatives to help unite the student body and improve student life.”

Anderson recognizes the importance of an organization like SGA and the role it plays in making sure all students can be heard.

“Not everyone is willing or able to advocate for themselves, so it is important for SGA to use our resources to ensure all students are making the most out of their four years,” she says.

Candace Williams, the dean of student engagement, agrees. “Students being able to speak into their own experience and make change is the most impactful,” she says. “If they are voting in an SGA election, attending an SGA event, or being an SGA Executive or Senator they are involved in SGA.  We need student involvement to make the student voice clear.  Being involved in SGA guarantees that this happens every year.”

For those wanting to get involved in SGA, Williams says, “Come to SGA events and even Senate meetings on Monday nights that are open to all.  Also, start talking and listening to your fellow classmates about what they love and opportunities to make a positive impact on campus.”

For those already serving, Kasen Holt, the executive treasurer for the 2024-2025 school year, gives this advice, “Focus on staying organized and balancing your commitments effectively. Communicate clearly and foster a collaborative team environment, while being proactive in addressing issues and seeking regular feedback. Develop key skills such as public speaking and event planning, and uphold integrity in all your actions.”

“Reflect on your experiences to adapt and improve strategies, and celebrate achievements to keep morale high,” she continues. “This approach will enhance the impact and personal growth while benefiting your school community. Ultimately, as you dedicate time to SGA, the club, members in it, and others around will in return pour into you.”

Did you serve in student government at Lipscomb? Share your stories with us!