Leaders address Earnest resignation

Ever since we took office last May, our team of three has spentmuch time together. Ashley has a unique charisma that allows her toreach out to a diverse section of the SMU student population. Herspirit and love for this university, for its athletes and for itsstudents is evident in everything she does. Her experience as afirst-year senator, as a member of the Southern Methodist AthleticCommittee and as an AARO leader helped to define her uniqueleadership style.

We want to thank our friend Ashley Earnest for her service tothe students of SMU. While we support her decision to focus on themultitude of personal issues in her life, we recognize the loss tothe students of SMU. As she showed in her resignation remarks, shewas a courageous and vocal student leader who brought a uniqueperspective to your student body officer team. Again, it wasdifficult to see her go, but we know it was the right decision forher, and we admire her willingness to make it.

We would also be remiss if we did not thank two people for theirupcoming interim service. Following Ashley’s resignationTuesday, the student senate confirmed the interim appointments ofSenate Parliamentarian Adam Hill as interim student body secretaryand Dedman II Senator Andrew Baker as acting student senateparliamentarian. This type of servant leadership and answering thecall of need for students is something which should inspire usall.

While we are recognizing people, this year’s studentsenate is doing a wonderful job. We appreciate their support andcool heads as we have worked through this difficult situation. Weespecially appreciate the leadership of our fellow executivecommittee members and adviser, Chip Hiemenz, Jeff Pope and ArleneManthey.

This issue is not what has or will be defining this semester inthe Student Senate. So far this year, your Student Senate haspassed legislation regarding football seating, the universityacademic calendar, a student memorial, as well as numerous fundingto student projects. The Student Senate’s success is notlimited to legislation: student senators are working on a varietyof issues ranging from intramural field free times to indexingstudent scholarships.

As we have said many times, please let us know what we can dofor you. Our offices are on the third floor of Hughes-Trigg in thesoutheast corner, and our doors are always open. It is ourprivilege to serve you and to have the opportunity to improvecampus life for all of us. Please let us know how we can helpyou.

Leaders address Earnest resignation