fSu
Speaking For Ourselves
The V oice
Vol. 39 No. 3
Fayetteville State University
March 25, 1985
Special Election
Edition
CAMPAIGN '85
Meet the presidential candidates, Teresa Lennon and Martin Rayner. (Not pictured is Louise Driver)
Photo by John B. Henderson.
Presidential Candidates
Express Their Views
By Genevieve M. Wilson
There are three individuals seeking election as President of the Student
Government Association, 1985-1986 to represent the students of Fayetteville
State University. The candidates are Louise Driver, Teresa Lennon, and
Martin Rayner.
“The Voice” interviewed them for the benefit of the students to have a
better perspective of their chosen candidate.
What are four major goals you wartt your administration to accomplish?
Driver: The four major goals I want the SGA administration to
accomplish include: 1) Making the necessary changes to improve the overall
academic environment, 2) establishing positive, progressive programs to
improve the university family's self-esteem, 3) implementing programs to
improve the student-vs-faculty rapport, and 4) representing, aiding and/or
assisting all people concerned with any restoration or future growth projects
on and off campus.
Lennon: My mission calls for an articulation of the future that will ensure
fulfillment of not only four but five important goals: 1) academic excellence,
2) unification of the student body, 3) a caring environment, 4) an enrichment
of culture, and 5) last but not least to instill among students self pride as well
as institutional pride (FSU).
Rayner: First and foremost, a reduction in the rate of academic
suspension, meaning a boost to student morale, this can only occur with the
help of the upper-classmen and incoming freshmen; 2) a closer look at the
administration of the university. For example, why do all activities have to go
all the way to the Chancellor? Are we (students) to assume he is the only man
for the job? and 3) relating to the second, is a look at why a
college/university allows the dormitories to run out of oil during the
semester? Is there a breakdown of communication between the dorm
directors and the heads of the university's housing division; and 4) finally, I
want to aid improving the relationships between students, faculty, and
administrators. We have to realize that these people are here for us and we
have created their jobs by just being here. As you can see, these goals mean
nothing without the help of the student body. The student is what can make
or break a university. Let's pull together and make something positive
happen.
How will you go about changing the “morale*’on campus? What programs
will be of interest to the university family?
Driver: I would make an effort to improve the “morale” on wmpus
through direct positive, motivating interaction programs involving the
students as well as the faculty, staff and administrators. I would implement
the following programs that would be of interest to the university family: 1)
self awareness educational classes and 2) career awareness programs.
Lennon: I would try to encourage the students to become more involved in
the ideas and changes that “we” would like to see implemented. If we worked
together, there would be a feeling of self-accomplishment among each
student as well as more realization as to what “we” as students can do as a
whole.
Rayner: Changing the morale is no easy task because that involves
pleasing most of the people all of the time. Hopefuly, on our campus, Greeks
will become more involved on weekends, but for morale to improve, grades
have to improve so that students will feel better about themselves. Programs
that I would like to see implemented are: 1) a poetry interpetation group that
travels around Fayetteville to the primary and secondary schools
performing; 2) an FSU speech team; 3) the NAACP on the campus; 4) also
for students short of aid, the paperback books used during the semester
could be on reserve until students can obtain the money to purchase them.
On the basis of your observations arid experiences, what factors are
particularly favorable to the introduction and expansion of student
participation? What factors are particularly unfavorable-operating as
obstacles?
Driver: On the basis of my observations and experiences, I can favorably
attest to the growth potential of all FSU students.
The introduction and expansion of student participation with campus
related activities is a direct reflection of the university's leadership. A
deficiency of positive leadership among the university family is a noted
unfavorable-operating obstacle at FSU.
Lennon: I would say one of the most important factors favorable to the
introduction and expansion of student participation is that every student
here has the potential and “spunk” to excel in whatever task attempted. The
unfavorable factors are the lack of self pride and confidence to believe that no
matter whether or not you win or lose, you have worked and strived to the
best of your ability and despite what others have to say, you can at least say
I've tried.
Raynor: For student participation, from my observation, entertainment is
a must. People at our university must have a little school spirit. Someone
with a lot of school spirit will have to be at the head of any project started.
STUDENT APATHY on this campus is unbelievable. Everyone's philosphy
is to take care of number one.
What should the relationship be between the SGA President and
University administrators?
Driver: The SGA President and university administrators should
maintain a mutual, respectable relationship to achieve prospective goals
while effectively representing the university family.
Lennon: I think the relationship between the SGA President and
university administrators should be one that is open minded to all
suggestions.
Rayner: A relationship of business, where the president and
administrators can work hand in hand to go to bat for the same causes.
What kind of grassroot irtput will you have in selecting main attractions to
appear on campus?
Driver: The kind of grassroot input I will have in selecting main attractions
to appear on campus will be based on the ability of the person and/ or group
to fulfill a variety of acceptable educatik)Hal, social and ethnic voids.
Lennon: I would hope to have many ideas that I know could be
instrumental in obtaining these main attractions.
Raynor: My selection will be made by going the route of past SGA
presidents and then venturing out toward new roads and discussing with
other college SGA presidents how they attract the “name” groups.
Cooperation and knowing people in the right places will help in selecting and
obtaining name groups for our campus.
Why do you want to be SGA President?
Driver; I would like to become the next SGA president because I can
effectively represent the university family through acceptable interactions
and communications with society's diverse population of individuals.
Lennon: I wish to be SGA president so that I, along with the student body,
might be able to promote growth and encouragement. Also, I feel that I am a
leader and a true leader has not only academic excellence but courage to try
despite the outcome. Academic excellence is hard to find but courage is even
a more difficult task.
Rayner: 1 would be a strong SGA president because Fayetteville State
University has helped me to obtain a life-long goal of a college education. I
would like to give myself back to the university by serving the fellow students
of Fayetteville State University as SGA President.