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Featured photo: Blue Ridge Community College Henderson County Campus Student Government Association officials pose outside the Patton Building. Left to right: Amber Hill, Ana Oviedo Rodriguez, William Robinson, Brad Brown, Nelly Arzate Garcia, Brittany Wallen, Will Whitaker and Hannah Lee. (Photo by Rich Keen.)
On Blue Ridge Community College’s campuses, Student Government Association (SGA) members represent and advocate for the student body, and they coordinate activities to foster meaningful connection, awareness and involvement. This past spring, several students accepted appointments to the 2024-2025 SGA Executive Board on both the Henderson and Transylvania County campuses. Elections take place annually, organized by Blue Ridge’s Student Life and Wellness office.
In addition to representing their classmates, SGA officers experience numerous leadership and professional development opportunities throughout the year. They give student tours, organize Student Life events and meetings, draft legislation to improve the campus for students and hold weekly office hours. The SGA president also serves as a non-voting member of Blue Ridge’s Board of Trustees.
2024-2025 Student Government Association Officers
Henderson County Campus
Hannah Lee, a Career & College Promise student from Tryon, was elected president this year. The president is the head of the SGA organization and serves as the student representative to college leadership and community partners. She will lead monthly SGA meetings and serve as a non-voting member of Blue Ridge Community College’s President’s Council and Board of Trustees. Hannah credits her time at Blue Ridge for growing her comfort zone.
William Robinson, an Associate Civil Engineering Transfer student from Hendersonville, was elected vice president. He is responsible for serving as the chief of staff of student leadership. Working closely with the coordinator of Student Life and Wellness, weekly duties consist of project management on Student Life events and initiatives. The vice president will also serve as the Executive Board’s parliamentarian, serving as an authority of proper meeting decorum and structure. William said he enjoys Blue Ridge’s close-knit community.
Ana Oviedo Rodriguez, an Associate in Civil Sciences Transfer student from Hendersonville, was elected secretary. Ana will keep records for the SGA organization, generate meeting agendas, draft minutes and maintain the SGA Constitution. Ana said she appreciates the resources Blue Ridge offers students and how it strives to be accessible.
Brad Brown, an Associate Engineering Transfer student from Maggie Valley, was elected to be a student ambassador. Brad also applauded the instructors at Blue Ridge and said they truly care about the students.
Nelly Arzate Garcia, a Computer Programming student from Hendersonville, was elected to be a student ambassador. Nelly highlighted Blue Ridge’s wide selection of degrees and how those make it easier to transition to the workforce or to continue to a four-year institution.
Brittany Wallen, a Human Services Technology – Social Services student from Asheville, was elected to be a student ambassador. Brittany praised Blue Ridge’s beautiful campuses and the College’s efficient and effective work
Will Whitaker, a Horticulture Technology student from Boiling Springs, was elected to be a student ambassador. Will touted the knowledgeable faculty and staff that help students succeed.
Transylvania County Campus
Shelby Tinsley, an Associate in General Education-Nursing student, was selected Vice President of the Transylvania County Campus. Working closely with the Student Services Coordinator, Shelby facilitates all Student Life events and coordinates campus meetings. Shelby completed two college semesters while in high school, and says this positive experience is what led her to continue with Blue Ridge.
Chaz West, an Associate in Science College transfer student, was selected as a student ambassador for the Transylvania County Campus. Chaz started at Blue Ridge almost a decade ago, spent 8 years in the Air Force, and is returning to finish his degree. Chaz praises the faculty and Student Success Center as reasons for helping him succeed as a non-traditional student.
These elected officials will be present at upcoming SGA meetings on their respective campuses. Learn more about the SGA at www.blueridge.edu/sga.