Student Body President candidates Matthew Williams, Lauryn Collier and Dwayne O’Rear, were able to share their personalities, perspective and platform at a debate Tuesday afternoon.
The event consisted of two-minute introductions, 45-second questions and an outro limited to one minute.
Trivia questions were also added to lighten up the debate.
The debate started out with Mark Herring, Technician’s editor-in-chief, asking the candidates to introduce themselves and present their platforms.
All three candidates expressed who they are and explained their overall purpose for wanting to be student body president.
The candidates stressed the importance of putting students first and making sure student voices are heard in administrative decisions. They also discussed how they intend to make themselves available to talk with students and address their concerns.
Matthew Williams described himself as a Wolfpack family guy. Five of his family members have attended N.C. State University.
Williams, a junior history major, is a transfer student from N.C. A&T. After finding that the school was not the right fit for him, he transferred to N.C. State because of his love for Raleigh and the University.
“I bleed Wolfpack red,” Williams said. “The heart wants what the heart wants.”
Lauren Collier, a junior in animal science, criminology and parks and recreation, was originally on her way to to the University of Florida for college before she visited her sister at N.C. State and fell in love with the campus.
Dewayne O’Rear, a junior in business administration, came to play football at N.C. State. As soon as he moved in to Owen Hall, he became the dorm hall’s president.
“I helped build a strong living community in Owen Hall,” O’Rear said.
Students who commented in Technician’s “In Your Words” section posed the question of how the candidates will improve communication around campus.
O’Rear said he would like for there to be more collaboration among student organizations. He emphasized the future combining of CSLEPS, Student Government and the University Activity Board.
Collier said she too would like to improve commincation among students and said her easy course load for her senior year will allow her to flexible to handle SBP rigors. She described herself as always being around campus — she eats in the dining halls and speaks with students and staff members regularly for her job.
Williams plans to improve communication by creating a universal website on campus where students can blog and post forums for questions and concerns.
He also plans to have “Lunch with Leaders,” which is for all student leaders to meet and have discussions in a less intimidating atmosphere.
Elizabeth Dimsdale, a sophomore in accounting, asked in “In Your Words” to know each candidate’s main goal for the 2013-2014 school year.
Collier stated that she would use her position as student body president by being the student body’s “number one fan.”
O’Rear pointed out that he we would make sure voices are heard for administrative decisions. He referred to himself becoming the mouthpiece of the Pack.
Williams shared that he will make sure that students know where to go to voice their views to administration. He also said that the future is endless, and new programs will be formed for better communication.
Another question was brought up about the $135-million budget cuts being made by Gov. Pat McCrory.
O’Rear responded that he will work with ASG and connect with higher authorities in order for changes to be made.
Williams said he wants to be a better advocate for student voices.
“I have no problem with working from the bottom to the top with students being at the bottom of the food chain. We have an opinion in our great state,” Williams said.
Collier agreed with Williams and stressed that she will launch a fees awareness campaign for students. She said it’s important for students to know about fees because they affect the whole student body and community.
The debate ended with the contenders making their closing remarks. They all expressed their dedication to putting students first at the school that they love and cherish — N.C. State.
The debate was recorded by Wolf TV and live streaming on Technician’s Twitter feed.
Student Body President candidate Lauren Collier, senior in animal science, replies to various questions during a Q&A session in Witherspoon on Wednesday March 20. The Q&A session allowed students to familiarize themselves with the candidates and campus issues.
