ASG awaits leader change

The UNC Association of Student Governments will see a fresh set of faces and some old ones when new leaders take office next month.

The ASG has completed elections for new officers for the 2005-06 term, and they are preparing to take office in the beginning of July.

Lame duck ASG President Amanda Devore will pass the torch to Zack Wynne, a former UNC-Wilmington student body president.

Devore said she has tremendous respect and enthusiasm for the new officers, and she is extremely pleased with the election results.

“The association has selected an incredible leader in Zack with the experience needed to take ASG to the next level,” Devore said.

Wynne will conduct his presidential duties from Boone, since he will be beginning the master’s program in public administration at Appalachian State University this fall.

“The association has never had a president work from this far away from our headquarters in Raleigh,” Wynne said.

“It will be tough, but I am confident it will work.”

Wynne said newly elected officials have met often and formed a long to-do list for the coming year.

One of the main priorities for the association is to receive as much publicity as possible.

“Getting our name out in the open is important,” Wynne said. “We want our voices heard on a state and national level.”

Funding is another concern for the association.

Wynne said he plans to cut budgets in specific areas of the association in order to build a substantial base for a new emergency fund.

“In the past, lack of money has become an issue,” Wynne said. “And I plan to change that so the association is not held back from any important opportunities.”

Other key points of Wynne’s platform include advocating for a student vote on the UNC-system Board of Governors and working to maintain accessibility and affordability at system schools.

Ginny Franks, a senior communication major at UNC-Chapel Hill, was appointed vice president of the legislative committee.

Franks said she has numerous goals in addition to lobbying for a student vote on the BOG.

“I also want to build a stronger campus infrastructure for advocacy, provide resources for the implementation of campus green energy programs and work on student voter accessibility,” she said.

Joining Wynne on his campaign ticket is N.C. State University graduate student Jamen Miller, who will service as ASG vice president.

Wynne was positive about his new role with the association and said he is looking forward to the active energy the new officers bring.

“ASG has four divisions,” Wynne said. “I want to hear everyone’s goals.”

Devore expressed great confidence in Wynne, noting his experience.

With two years as student body president at UNC-W and one year as chairman of the ASG Development Committee, Wynne said he hopes to continue push the association to new heights.

Devore offered some knowledgeable advice to the incoming leaders in hopes that they’ll have a successful term at the helm.

“Keep things in perspective, and enjoy your year serving students,” she said. “It’s not a job — it’s a privilege.”

Contact the State & National Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.