Daniel Mejia and Lauren Spratt, both Class of 2019, have set their sights on improving the student experience at Stetson. In short, they plan to take the university by storm as the new president and vice president, respectively, of the Student Government Association.

Mejia, a health sciences major with a minor in music (voice), found his love for student government while at Robinson High School in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He served as a class representative before being elected senior-class president.

At Stetson, Mejia has maintained a steady leadership presence on campus, becoming a senator and chair of Campus Life for two years. As for next year, he excitedly added, “Well, you know.”

Spratt, a political science major in the Honors Program with minors in history, philosophy and business law, discovered her passion for government activity back in middle school in Titusville, Florida. Graduating from Astronaut High School in Titusville, she continued her involvement at Stetson, becoming a senator as a first-year student.

The new power duo plans to “really connect” the student body to the university by “building ties between students, between departments [and] between SGA,” Mejia said.

Through unification, Mejia and Spratt also want to help improve not only student life, but SGA itself. They plan to do this by focusing on SGA marketing strategies that will increase the flow of information to students and engage them more effectively.

In addition, they hope to enhance collaboration on campus by partnering with groups such as the Multicultural Student Council and the Center for Community Engagement.

Both Mejia and Spratt view their efforts as a sort of payback to a university that has enabled them to rise as student leaders.

“Stetson has been a major contributor to my professional growth and development.” Mejia said. “I have broadened my understanding of the professional world and have become more experienced in helping others.”

Commented Spratt: “The tightknit community [at Stetson] and the support of those around me has given me the confidence and skills to pursue different opportunities.”

-Skye Schwartz ’20