What do former Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence, Council for Postsecondary Education President Aaron Thompson, Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Coleman Eldridge, and top-ranked Washington, D.C., lobbyist Hunter Bates all have in common? Not only are they alumni of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), but they were also once members of the oldest student organization on campus: the Student Government Association.
More commonly known today as SGA, the Student Government Association celebrated its 70th year on campus in 2024. However, the history of independent student governance at EKU stretches back over a century. Throughout this time, the association has always provided an avenue for the student voice to be heard across campus.
“The Student Government Association is an integral part of EKU’s history as the School of Opportunity,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “SGA offers students a platform to lead, advocate and innovate—fostering a campus community where collaboration and progress thrive. Student-led organizations such as these embody our mission of opportunity and help prepare students for influential and service-driven careers upon graduation.”
During the summer of 1924, the first example of a student government at EKU was formed: The Open Forum Committee. The committee’s purpose was to provide a line of communication for ideas and concerns between the administration and the student body, as well as sponsorship for a number of events and initiatives to bolster student life.
The committee’s most impactful contribution was the revitalization of a student loan fund, which awarded at-need students with small scholarships. One of the students who took advantage of this new fund was a young Robert R. Martin, who received a loan of $30 in 1934. Martin went on to serve as the university’s president from 1960-76, becoming the first Eastern alumni to hold the position.
While the Open Forum Committee was never officially recognized as a student governing body and fell into obscurity, President Donovan (1928-41) challenged the student body to formally begin organizing a student government. Subsequently, the Eastern Progress would publish a “Progress Platform” in every issue for nearly 10 years, which among many things called for the establishment of a student government.
Following the dissolution of the Open Forum Committee, a new body took its place. In 1936, the Student Relationship Council (SRC) was formed to bring about a better understanding between students and faculty members, primarily through the examination of university policy. They also hosted numerous events such as formal dances, fundraisers and social drives.
Presided over by SRC President Otwell Rankin, a university committee composed of students and faculty was formed in May 1938 to study the establishment of a student government and to draft a constitution. However, their efforts were voted down by the student body (335-371) on May 28, 1938. With this defeat, efforts were tabled for the foreseeable future, but not forgotten. Even during World War II, students wrote editorials calling for a student government to be established as soon as possible.
More than a decade later, this dream finally became reality on March 30, 1954. Organized by the Young Women’s and Men’s Christian Association (YWCA-YMCA), a provisional constitution was put forward and approved by 72% of the voting students. Elections followed that May, and saw Ronald Coffman, Ozzie Wolford, Kitty Wright and Jane McDonald sworn in as the first executive officers of the student body. President O’Donnell (1941-60) provided the group with an office in the basement of the Roark Building, and a Student Council was elected that following fall semester.
Since then, the student government has evolved substantially and has played a major role in student affairs. In 1962, a Student Court was added to handle campus misdemeanors and traffic infractions. In 1970, the Student Council was transformed into the Student Senate, and the organization was renamed to the Student Association. In 2000, the name changed for the final time, to the Student Government Association—as it is known as today. That same year, an activities branch was added to enhance campus life, and has since served as the host of many annual flagship events such as Midnight Breakfast and the Colonel Corn Roast.
Throughout its 70 years on campus, 68 students have served as student body president, with many notable alumni counted among their ranks. Col. Ronald Coffman (1954-55) went on to serve a distinguished career in the military and assisted in the founding of EKU’s Aviation program. Ken Upchurch (1991-92) has had a long and notable career as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives. Katie (Scott) Siakhoohi (2015-16) currently serves as the deputy director of institutional partnerships of the World Food Program USA, one of the largest charity organizations in the world.
Today, the Student Government Association continues to evolve and build upon its legacy in meeting the needs of Eastern’s student body.
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