Newly Elected SGA Leaders Take Office Focused on Transparency, Community
Photo via University of Dayton
Kylee Nickel | Contributing Writer
The University of Dayton’s Student Government Association (SGA) president and vice president for the 2026-27 academic year come to office with a mission focused on engagement and transparency.
Campaigning started Feb. 24 and led to the voting period from March 3-5. Students were able to vote online through their 1850 portal. SGA has not released the number of votes cast.
“I think students want transparency,” said Gabrielle Davis, SGA president-elect, picking up on some of the main themes from the campaign – campus safety, and the communication gap between SGA and students.
“We ran on the idea that ideas should be shared and collaborated on. Listening, connecting, and empowering takes all of us,” Davis said. “It shows that the UD community is ready for more bold leadership and honesty from its student leaders.”
For Davis, the role of president is about more than policy; it’s about creating a sense of community on campus.
“I want everyone to feel like UD is for them,” she said. “Our final campaign promise was to empower future leaders. I always quote Hamilton when he says, ‘Legacy is planting seeds in a garden you don’t get to see.’”
“When people feel they have a purpose in their community, they are more likely to feel comfortable. I hope SGA is where people can find community,” Davis said.
Vice President-Elect Vivian Ahern said, “Students want a seat at the table where decisions are made, and by empowering new leaders and listening and connecting with other students, Gabby and I hope to provide them with that opportunity.”
The importance of SGA is to have representatives who support student concerns and act as a liaison between the student body and the UD administration.
Candidates elected for 2026-27
President: Gabrielle Davis
Vice President: Vivian Ahern
VP Finance: Owen Felder
Director of Allyship and Outreach: Khaliah Gorham
Director of Academic Affairs: Ava Mika
Director of Marianist Involvement: Nolan Pastore
Director of Special Programs: Owen Cranley
Natural Sciences Representative: Eric Diskowski