Greg Hall, a junior sociology major, won the student body president election earlier this month by an 85-vote margin. Hall's victory shouldn't come as a surprise because the majority of UNC-C students are nontraditional students.
Nontraditional students include all students who do not go directly from high school to college.
Despite being older than typical college students, Hall said he hopes students will focus more on his ideas rather than his age while he is student body president.
"I know I am old," he said. "In fact, my opponent tried to say that as a nontraditional student, I could not get the job done. For me to say that I know exactly what 18- to 22-year-olds are doing is wrong. I remember doing things at that age, but I cannot relate to them now."
Hall said he wants to bridge the age gap by hiring an executive staff that is more representative of the student body. "I have no nontraditional students in my executive staff," he said. "To serve 18- to 22-year-olds better, I surround myself with 18- to 22-year-olds."
Hall added that his age might give him an edge with administrators. "Being 31, at least (the administration) will know not to sneak one by me."
Since the election, Hall and his staff have focused on issues including boosting student involvement, creating a subsidized day-care plan for UNC-C students, and initiating online faculty evaluations and an online grade distribution system.
Student leaders across the state applaud Hall's plans for UNC-C, as well as his win. Andrew Payne, president of the UNC Association of Student Governments, said Hall's victory proves the growing diversity of UNC-system schools.
"This is an indication that the university is doing a great job at educating a diverse group of students," Payne said.
