On February 7th, 2025, Auburn University’s Student Government Association (SGA) welcomed their ‘25 – ‘26 executive leadership team on the back steps of Katherine Cooper Cater Hall. The elected officers are as follows: President Owen Beaverstock, Vice President Buckley Nettles, Treasurer Hailey Bergenthal, and Miss Auburn Riley Parman. 

The callouts followed a long week of campaigning, as each candidate shared their platforms with their fellow students. One key way they accomplished this was through the Major Candidate Debates that occurred on February 6th. The debate was moderated by WEGL 91.1 station manager Rae Nawrocki, The Auburn Plainsman editor-in-chief Sami Grace Donnelly and Eagle Eye TV station manager Sydney Babb.

During the debate, now-President Owen Beaverstock expounded upon his campaign slogan, “Be Better with Beaverstock.” He discussed ways in which he wants to develop, “better relationships, better family, and better place.” His key topics included a push for streamlined class registration, campus-wide serve days, and the implementation of an SGA assistant Vice President focused on support for mental health.

Vice President Buckley Nettles discussed the need for improved safety measures on campus, avenues for administration to receive student feedback, and streamlined public transportation. She tied all three issues back to her platform, “Buckling Up with Buckley.”  

Treasurer Hailey Bergenthal ran unopposed, and used the debate time to propose her new plans for Auburn’s campus. She suggested a new investment plan to help provide financial growth for new college graduates. She also spoke into finances as related to on-campus dining. 

Finally, the new Miss Auburn, Riley Parman, discussed her passions for serving the community. She said, “The Auburn experience directly contradicts the belief that we are too small to solve big problems.” Her platform, “Rooted with Riley,” also encourages Auburn students to use their education to pour back into the Auburn community. 

Along with the debates, campaign teams came out in droves all across campus, each doing their best to promote their candidate. The week culminated on February 7th, with 9,971 out of 32,756 eligible students casting their vote in Auburn’s new ranked voting system.  That’s a 30.44% turnout.  

After announcing and celebrating the new leaders on Katherine Cooper Cater Hall steps, the War Eagle Girls and Plainsman led students in Auburn’s Alma Mater as they circled and welcomed the new Miss Auburn. As the newly elected officials step into their roles, they carry forward the tradition of the Auburn Family: to lead with purpose, foster meaningful change, and uphold the values that make Auburn truly special.