WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., May 12, 2020 — West Liberty University’s Student Government Association (SGA) leaders are typically sworn in every spring but this year, the SGA leaders will wait till fall for the official ceremony due to COVID-19.
Fifth year senior Isabella Yakicic is continuing her role as SGA president and will be joined by a new vice president, Autumn Grace Dodson.
“SGA couldn’t complete our plan this year due to COVID-19 and the resulting campus closure, and since the pandemic changes came about, I felt that I should stay on as president to complete our work,” Yakicic said. “I want SGA to become more than just a club to give out funding. I want to do more and to give back to the community.”
All SGA presidents serve on the university’s governing board, and at this time, that is another important role that Yakicic wants to see through since WLU is now searching for a president to replace current leader President Stephen Greiner.
“I love serving on the Board of Governors and want to continue to serve in this position and see the presidential search process through. It is such an important job and a privilege to be a member of the board,” Yakicic said.
She will graduate in spring 2021 and WLU’s new president should be selected by late August 2020. Greiner announced his retirement last November.
An elementary education major with a minor in special education, Yakicic is from Sidman, Pa. and serves as vice president of the Chi Omega sorority and is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education.
Also a resident assistant for four years now, Yakicic is happy to share her knowledge and love for WLU with the community. At home, she is employed at a daycare and at J.C. Penney.
Vice President Grace Dodson is a rising junior and a pre-veterinary biology major. She is equally as enthused to serve as an SGA officer.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to improve our student government and get all of us more involved in campus. We are open to anything that our students suggest and are here to help,” Dodson said.
A resident of Colliers, W.Va., she is pleased too with her choice of majors.
“I love the pre-veterinary biology major. I’m definitely enjoying it and know it will lead to a successful career that is my dream,” she said. Dodson already works part-time at Key Animal Hospital for Dr. Karl Yurko.
She is planning on applying to veterinary school in the near future.
Dodson is a member of the Chi Beta Phi Science Honorary Society and a member of the Biology Club. She is the founder of the Pre-Veterinary Club, which began last fall and now has about 10 members.
“I’m hopeful that the upcoming fall semester will be easier in regards to social activities, in spite of the pandemic,” she said. Also a former RA, Dodson will be a Hall Director in the fall for Rogers and Boyd Halls.
Other SGA officers elected and confirmed for 2020 – 2021 include:
- Secretary- Taylor Newkirk from Bridgeport, Ohio
- Treasurer- Maxwell Fiedorczyk from Weirton, West Virginia
- Director of Programming- Walter “Trey” Jack from Gassaway, West Virginia
Executive Director of Housing and Student Life Marcella Snyder will swear the officers in next fall.
SGA continually works with administrators and acts as bridges of communication between students and administration. SGA also develops creative programming for students to keep the student experience the best it can possibly be.
The association governs itself on three overarching principles: service, leadership and integrity. Its office is located on the second floor of the College Union building.
For more information, please visit the SGA webpage.