Students and faculty gathered in Yoder Recital Hall on Feb. 26 for the annual Student Senate presidential debate. However, unlike most debates, there was only one candidate running for the position–Amryn Dover, sophomore childhood development major and current Student Senate secretary.
“I decided to run for president early this school year, because many of my friends kept asking me to run and I thought it would be fun,” said Dover. “My preparation was pretty simple, because I knew nobody else was planning on running.”
But what was it like to host a debate with no opponent? According to Dover, it was terrifying.
“I do not like to speak in front of people,” said Dover. “I was really nervous a few days prior to the event.”
After the event, Dover said she was congratulated by her friends and professors. She said she felt proud of her performance and even posted the forum to Facebook for her family to watch.
“I feel it would have been a fun experience going up against someone else,” said Dover. “However, I cannot complain about being the only one running.”
Dover says her plans as Student Senate president will include hosting more events and serious discussions. She also said she hopes to have more students and staff attend events, among other things.
Current Senate president Jacob Hill will graduate this semester and looks forward to passing the position onto Dover.
“I found [the position] was a great opportunity to have a podium where I could make a difference here on this campus,” said Hill. “To really stick up for, I guess the ‘little guys,’ as you would say.”
Hill said he is excited to see what Dover does as the new president.
“I watched her grow from when she first joined Senate her freshman year,” said Hill. “She’s really turned into such a confident young woman.”
Hill had one piece of advice for Dover.
“You don’t have to live up and compare yourself to past Student Senate presidents,” said Hill. “All I ask a person to be is be the best version of themselves.”
With no opponent, voting will not be held. Dover will assume her position as the Student Senate president for the 2019-20 academic year this fall.
