2008 Woodie Awards
Evatt steps down after 2 years
Christy Mullins
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: News
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Monday night, voting members of CSL elected Tatiana Sosa, a junior psychology major, to take his place this fall.
Sosa was grilled by one CSL member Monday before her election because she spent the first year and a half of her college career at Coastal Carolina University before coming to Winthrop as a transfer student.
Sosa said it took a lot to enter a university in the middle of her sophomore year.
"I've been to two convocations before, I've heard the speeches, and I've worked twice as hard being a transfer," Sosa said. "[Transfer students] are more dedicated than people may think we are."
Sosa said she'd be just as good at leading convocation as anyone else because, like everyone else, she has been in an atmosphere where she knows no one.
"I feel the experience of being a freshman is the same at almost every college," Sosa said.
Dustin Evatt, current CSL chair, said he will continue to participate in CSL activities, but will not act as a voting member next year. He did not run for president because he wants other students to have the positive experience, he said.
"Student government needs to change with our evolving community," Evatt said.
"I feel that by having a new president, the Council will be able to generate some new ideas that will be beneficial to students."
This year's new president, who is Evatt's current girlfriend, said she will use Evatt and current vice chair James Singleton as valuable resources.
One of her three main goals for next year is commitment among committees. Because so many of next year's CSL members are moving to new positions, the transition of officers should be as smooth as possible, Sosa said.
"We set goals every year during the retreat for a reason," she said. "I don't want them to be lost or forgotten about because of a new officer."
Another goal is communication, especially in regards to the gap between faculty and students.
Sosa plans to have a meet-and-greet with faculty and students at the beginning of each semester, and invite a new faculty member each week to sit in on the Council's Monday meetings.
A third goal, community, will allow new faces to approach the council without intimidation, Sosa said. Even small concerns will matter.
"Only people who can vote are on our council, but that doesn't mean other people can't come and see what we're thinking," she said.
Evatt said his relationship with Sosa did not affect the election process or her initial decision to run, and that it will not affect her experience next year.
"Tatiana has already portrayed a vision of what she wants to accomplish next year," Evatt said. "Because I have one year left at Winthrop, I will be a resource for her and the rest of the Council."
Evatt will use his extra time next year to continue serving as president of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He will also be a peer mentor and Winthrop Ambassador.
Sarah MacDonald, who served as a freshman representative this year, said her experience with CSL has shown her a well-rounded view of what is and is not effective.
As vice chair, she hopes to increase Winthrop's awareness of CSL's mission and progress, as well as the awareness of the funds available through the Student Allocations Comittee (SAC) for Winthrop clubs and organizations, she said.
"I will take my position as vice chair very seriously and represent Winthrop in the best possible manner," MacDonald said.
Both terms will begin this fall.
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