For the first time in six years, the UNCW Student Government Association is facing a three-candidate race for Student Body President. After voting begins on Monday, the second-year presidential candidates and their vice president picks will race to the top —but the final result all rests on the student body.
Voting for the presidential election will begin on Monday at 9 a.m. and continue through the week until Thursday at 3 p.m. Every student will be sent a link to vote through their UNCW email on Monday morning. This election is the biggest chance for students to decide who they want to speak up on their behalf for what they need on campus.
Who’s running? The student body presidential race consists of three tickets, combining the presidential and vice presidential candidates into one vote. The presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively, are:
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Jansen Huff and Kyra Stringfield
Zoe Phillips and Paul Brady
Russia Naranjo and Laura Grossheim
Each candidate this year has their own platforms, plans and goals to make the UNCW experience the best it can be. Get to know who every candidate is and how they are committed to representing the Seahawks:
What really made you fall in love with UNCW and want to represent its students?
Huff: “I think I would not be doing UNCW justice if I didn’t mention the beach,” Huff explained. “I think that’s one of the top priorities for all of our students here, and it is such an amazing thing that we have here in Wilmington.” Huff explained that he loves to frequent Wrightsville Beach when the weather is right. “I think we have just an amazing group of students here on campus,” Huff continued. “Folks that you don’t find on every university’s campus; the community here is phenomenal.”
His vice presidential pick Kyra Stringfield is passionate about UNCW’s faculty and how much they care about its students; they want to know what students want, and that’s why Huff and Stringfield want to advocate for them.
“I was not really wanting to go to a four-year at all when I started,” said Phillips; SGA played a large role in what made her choose UNCW. “I met somebody in SGA that talked to me about what SGA does and how they help students, and as I was learning more about it, I started to get more interested because I realized the school actually cares.” Phillips expressed just how involved UNCW is not only with their students, but members of faculty, staff and trustees as well.
“I want to make sure that the students here have some sort of pride in being a Seahawk,” Phillips said. “It’s a different experience than you would get at most colleges.”
“The first thing that comes to mind is the energy and vibrance that the student body has,” Naranjo explained. “I think the genuine personalities that Seahawks have is something I resonate with, and that’s why I feel so deeply connected to this institution.” Naranjo expressed her love for sunny days at UNCW where Seahawks laugh and smile with their friends, play music and games, tan in the Quad and walk in their swimsuits ready for the beach.
“Everyone has found positivity, and I’ve also found positivity here through my experiences such as being freshman class president or serving on the Chancellor Student Advisory Council,” Naranjo said. “I love hearing everyone’s path to UNCW, and I genuinely want to make that clear through my administration, and I know Laura does as well.”
What’s something about you that students wouldn’t learn from your usual campaign materials?
Huff:
“I think what catches most people off guard about me when I tell them, I’ve played piano since I was the age of three,” Huff said. “If I’m not outside doing something or playing golf, I’m most likely in the practice rooms playing piano; it’s my favorite thing to do.”
Huff and Stringfield both share a genuine love for the beach, having grown up around it their entire lives; Stringfield used to visit Wrightsville Beach with her family as a kid. “Obviously having Wrightsville Beach in our backyard was such a big plus,” Huff said. “I was so glad to come back here and get to experience that again as my childhood.”
Phillips:
“I like to show people that I am just another student, and I’m not trying to be higher up,” Phillips explained. “I’m not trying to be a different person, I want people to see me for who I am.” Phillips said that one of her main goals is to show students that she is not just another person running for a position, but that she is a student with the same experiences as them. “I think my traits are passion, drive and caring,” Phillips said. “I genuinely want to be there for students, and I love talking to people, because the more you talk to people, the more you know about them.” Phillips stressed the importance of having genuine conversations with the students she plans to represent, and allowing them to get to know her. “I want to be a friend as well as a representative.”
Naranjo:
“For the past two years of my life, I have fallen in love with EDM: electronic dance music,” Naranjo expressed. “The reason I fell in love with EDM is because of the community within the EDM world; there are so many subgenres and it’s such a diverse music space, and that’s what I love about it.”
She explains that EDM culture is devoted to community and care for other people. “In the EDM world, there is an acronym called “PLUR,” and it stands for peace, love, unity and respect,” Naranjo said. “While it might sound cheesy, it truly is something that is deeply rooted in EDM culture.” Naranjo said she experiences the same feeling of unity at UNCW.
What do you think SGA does really well right now that students should know about?
Huff:
Stringfield emphasizes just how much SGA plays a role in allocating funds to student organizations. SGA is able to use student fees and allocate money to any student organization that wants to receive funding for things like t-shirts, traveling, operations and promotional processes.
Huff also adds how much SGA is committed to advocating for students. “I think back to something that most students don’t want to think back to, which was the month of September and the events on campus,” Huff said. “But, in dark times, there is light, and I think SGA was that light at that time.”
He believes that students began to recognize that SGA is a voice for them, and how they are able to hold UNCW administration accountable for how things work on campus.
Phillips:
“One thing that I absolutely love about the administration we have right now is they show we are advocating,” Phillips explained. “With all of the things that have happened this year, we have shown that we are here for students, and we are the voice.”
She wants students to know how much their voices carry to the staff on campus that they share great connections with. “It helps us be able to tell students what’s going on, but it also helps us tell faculty staff, the people making decisions, what’s going on with our students,” Phillips added.
She emphasizes how different the student world is from the faculty world and how important it is for SGA to be the bridge between the student body and administration.
Naranjo:
“One that I’d like to highlight is allocating funds to registered student organizations, ” Naranjo said. “Registered students organizations, clubs, sports teams, alliances et cetera are integral to the student experience here, and without SGA, they wouldn’t be able to go about their usual processes because of how integral funding from SGA truly is.”
Naranjo expanded on the appropriations committee, which meets weekly to allocate funds requested by registered student organizations. “The student government association is proud and happy to be that pathway and provide those resources for everyone’s respective communities here on campus.”
Where do you think SGA could improve, and how can you help make it happen?
Huff:
“I think one of the biggest ways we struggle is we are such a large school,” Huff said. “It’s hard to reach every single individual at this school.” Huff explains that there is such a diverse group of students at UNCW, and it is a big task to be able to connect with every single person.
But Huff does believe that their outreach numbers have increased this year and SGA is working every day to keep bridging that gap. “I believe in our administration, connecting to those students, building relationships with students,” Huff said.
“Whether it be social media or interactions with them on campus, Chancellor’s walk, wherever it may be; That’s the key to success for SGA.
Phillips:
“I want to be able to host events and talk to students one on one,” Phillips said. “I want to be able to talk to students and say, this is what we do, this is how we do it, this is why it’s important.” She believes it’s crucial for students to understand that their voice can be heard, and will be heard.
“That’s why over the past few years, we’ve been dealing with housing and parking in SGA because it’s obviously something the students want,” Phillips explained. “Even with the Wi-Fi problem, we’ve been working on that because it is what these students want, and I want students to know that that’s our goal.”
Naranjo:
“When individuals serve on SGA, they quickly become so involved in SGA processes and routines that they assume other people know how SGA works,” Naranjo said. “I feel like that’s actually a flaw in SGA’s communication with the student body.”
She explains that the general student body doesn’t know specific terms or processes for how SGA runs, and how a better understanding between SGA and students can help bridge the gap even more.
“The Naranjo-Grossheim administration would like to increase open communication from the student government association via our administration directly to the student body in what SGA truly does.”
What’s something about campus that you hear students complain about often, and how will you help speak for that?
Huff:
“Something we could really work on in our administration is building those bridges between the student organizations,” Huff said. “I would love to sit down with as many presidents as I can and say, okay, here’s what we do, here’s how we can help; how can you help us, how can we help you?”
He mentions that in the past SGA tends to get caught up in the “hustle and bustle” and it is hard to have the time to sit down and meet with every single person. “But I believe it needs to happen,” Huff explains. “That bridge needs to be made between those RSOs and SGA; SGA is someone that you can collaborate with, and we really want to make that known.”
Stringfield emphasizes how crucial RSOs are to school spirit on campus, which is something she thinks UNCW can struggle with. By bridging that gap and getting students involved, they hope to grow pride in being a Seahawk with it.
Phillips:
“I’ve heard a lot of students complain about dining often,” Phillips said. “I think in some cases it’s a lack of resources, of knowing what’s going on and knowing the process.”
She recognizes that dining on campus as a whole can be complicated, especially with various allergies and food restrictions. “I eat kosher, and as a person that has a complicated diet, I had no clue where to go,” Phillips said. “Come to find out, you have to talk to the dietician, and they will make it work for you.”
She wants to continue advocating for more resources and easy connection to dining staff to ensure that every student can find something to eat with ease. “People need to eat,” Phillips said. “And we don’t want any excuse on why somebody can’t eat.”
Naranjo:
“A lot of the time I hear Seahawks say that they get bored with the options they have available to them for campus dining, because they become repetitive,” Naranjo said. “The Naranjo-Grossheim administration is happy to work with UNCW leadership to provide more exciting options and host more exciting dining events for students, and make dining more accessible to folks who want to have their voices heard.”
She stresses that student experiences like campus dining can shape the future of UNCW as a whole, as it is something that is very important to students’ happiness on campus. “We’re going to shape the future of this institution because that’s our mission, that’s who we are and that’s what we stand for,” Naranjo explained. “We want to listen to every Seahawk, no matter what, no matter how big or small their ideas are.”
She emphasizes authentic and genuine leadership where they are approachable to the student body to voice their concerns about campus living.
At the end of the day, SGA executives are students too. What does a normal day in the life at UNCW look like for you?
Huff:
“I start my morning at 7:30 every morning, get up, take a shower, get ready for the day, and walk out of Terrapin,” Huff said. He mentions that he spends a lot of time in the SGA office. “There’s a common joke in SGA that I put the couches together in the office and sleep there sometimes.” Going to his classes is a top priority for him, and he often spends time studying and finishing up course work.
“And once again, you can find me a lot in CAB playing the piano quite a bit,” Huff said. “Especially on Sundays.” He said Dubs Cafe is favorite place to eat on campus, and he can often be found there enjoying his lunch.
Phillips:
“The first thing is getting here and getting in my 8 a.m., because let me say, that’s hard sometimes,” Phillips said. “I have three in a row, and I go to all of those, and after that I typically have some sort of meeting or I’ll sit and do my office hours.”
She mentions that she practically lives in the Fisher Student Center, and can be found getting something to eat there all the time. “Depending on the day of the week I might either have senate or work of some sort, or just talking to people and hanging out on campus,” Phillips said.
“And then I go home and make dinner and call it a night.” She says it is important for her to stay busy or she feels tempted to procrastinate; a feeling that most students can probably relate to.
Naranjo:
“I normally wake up and I make a mango acai smoothie, love smoothies,” Naranjo said. “I’ll make some eggs with turkey and cheese and spinach, and then I will get to my classes.” Naranjo is always on the go, moving from her internship, to orientation leader training and her campus job at the Loggerhead Hall desk as a receptionist.
“My schedule looks like this because of how passionate I am about being involved here,” Naranjo explained. “I have found ways to advocate for students outside of SGA.”
As a member of the Chancellor Student Advisory Council, Naranjo speaks directly with Chancellor Volety and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Christine Reed Davis to advocate for change.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Wilmington that’s not on campus?
Huff:
“Every Thursday night and Sunday morning you can find me at First Baptist Church, downtown Wilmington on Market Street,” Huff said. “I sing in the choir; I was a volunteer, sort of.” He stresses how caring and supportive the members of his church are, and how important that is to his experience. “I think that’s what’s so special about Wilmington,” Huff said. “It’s like a small town in a bigger city; everyone knows everyone, we all get along, everyone’s very kind.”
Huff also frequents the local Waffle House on College Road, and even has a specific order that the staff knows by heart. “One lightly cooked waffle, a side of hash browns, and a sweet tea; I am a sweet tea enthusiast.”
Phillips:
“Downtown is a different environment, and I will say that’s probably my favorite place,” Phillips said. “Whether you want to do karaoke, or you want to do an escape room, it’s down there.” Phillips’ favorite activity downtown is the escape rooms. “The last one I went to was Game Over,” she said. “I really liked that one because it had multiple different rooms.” Despite it being an expensive hobby, Phillips loves the escape rooms as a way to have fun outside of campus.
Naranjo:
“There’s a cool coffee shop in downtown Wilmington called Canary Yellow that I just started going to for studying and just trying things out,” Naranjo said. “It’s absolutely beautiful; it’s a huge pink house and the entire inside is fully decorated.”
Naranjo also frequents the New Hanover County Courthouse to watch local trials through her internship with The Law Group, a law firm located in downtown Wilmington.
“That internship has provided me with the opportunity to not only gain legal experience, but also understand what New Hanover County Courthouse does and what the sheriff’s office does for the Wilmington community,” Russia said.
Finally, for students who don’t usually pay attention to SGA elections, why should they care about this one?
Huff:
“I think it’s a very important time to vote,” Huff explained. “We current administration, the first administration in UNCW that has served for two years in a row; obviously they’ve left a lasting impact on UNCW.” He emphasizes that this election will have a great impact on the student body, as it is a big change from recent years. “Would students’ voices be heard, will their concerns be acted upon?” Huff said. “I think it’s gonna be very close; our opponents are great people.”
Phillips:
“I think you should care about all of them,” Phillips said. “When it comes to who is advocating for you, you need to listen in.” Phillips stresses the importance of knowing who is speaking for you and how they will serve you in your best interests. “We are the voice,” Phillips explained. “We need to know what students want; vote for the people that are going to advocate for you the way you want to be advocated for.”
Naranjo:
“This is the first time in years that there are candidates for student body president and vice president that are both female,” Naranjo said. “Laura Grossheim and myself believe that we can be the change this institution needs.” She mentions that they are a part of almost 40 total student organizations combined, and hold leadership positions in a plethora of them.
“We’re extremely excited and passionate about this campaign,” Naranjo explained. “We want to assure Seahawks that they have us to count on, and that we will be the genuine, authentic, passionate and experienced leaders that they need.” Naranjo thinks every student should play a part in this election, and believes it will be the most historical one the institution has ever seen.
But why should students vote? SGA executives speak for the students. Presidential elections are based solely on student votes, allowing students to pick first-hand who they want to represent them. Every candidate has their own platform with different perspectives, ambitions and plans for how they will commit to leading the student body. Students can pick the platform that sounds right for them, and cast their vote.
When will we know who wins? The election results will be announced in person on Thursday, March 19th outside of the SGA office at 6 p.m., located on the second floor of the Fisher Student Center. Every student is invited to come watch and see who will be their representatives for the next year. The new president will be inaugurated on April seventh, with a Senate hiatus following as they begin to plan for the next semester.
How can I contact SGA? Contact the SGA office at [email protected] with any questions about how to go about voting this week. The SGA website has information on what SGA does, who they are and the abundance of resources that they offer on campus.
Students are welcome to join any SGA senate meeting and voice their concerns at the open-podium. The meetings are held every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Azalea Coast Room, Fisher University Union, 2001. Senate meetings will resume in September 2026 when Seahawks return to campus for the year.
The Student Government Association is a group of students that are passionate about being a Seahawk. They are in it to speak for students and make sure their voices are heard by the people who matter most. Cast a vote this week and play a role in who is going to shape Seahawk life for the ‘26-’27 academic year.
