Deonte Sparks, a political science freshman and current College of Social Science representative for the GA, surpassed Kaylin Casper, a sociology senior and current North American Indigenous Student Association representative, for the position of VPGA.

Vice president of academic affairs

During his remarks, Pham promised to challenge the status quo and act as the organization’s megaphone.

"Students are exhausted," he said. "We are navigating overwhelming course loads, rising tuition, underfunded support services and academic policies that too often move without us, not around us, without us. This university has done work to support these issues, yes, but progress that is fragile, incomplete and under constant pressure is bound to crack."

Pham said he wants to push for expansion of ASMSU’s academic governance, protect research opportunities and make sure students understand the resources available to them.

"This university has a framework that has shown its potential, but what it needs now are student leaders bold enough to shake the table," he said.

After brief deliberation in a closed session, Pham was elected via unanimous consent.

Vice president of governmental affairs

Casper, in her speech, shared her passion to increase student voter turnout on campus, especially for the East Lansing election happening later this year. She said she wants to spread awareness about how students who are residents in Lansing have the ability to vote.

"I have voter registration and tabling and canvassing experiences that will really serve me on accomplishing that goal, and then beyond that election, my goals for local politics would also include making more students active participants in city council meetings," Casper said.

Sparks spoke to the GA about how he would use the position of VPGA, if elected, to advocate for the rights and freedoms of students at MSU. 

"I understand that this position holds a heavy weight of responsibility, but I have consistently put my best foot forward through my legislative work, connecting with representatives, engaging with students and communicating with our current VPGA to learn the in’s and out’s of the role," Sparks said.

Sparks said his priorities for the position would include amplifying student voices, promoting civic engagement, supporting diversity equity and inclusion through collaboration with university administrators, and ensuring transparency in all ASMSU governmental affairs. 

After a period of deliberation, the GA voted in favor of Sparks as the next VPGA.