Read challenges incumbent Dillard for Board leadership

March 26, 2007 —

by Christina Dillbeck

Program Board elections are quickly approaching and next year's presidential candidates are busy preparing for their campaign. Senior Crystal Dillard is hoping to be re-elected while Student Association representative Eric Read is ready for a chance at this new leadership opportunity.

Dillard has held numerous positions at SVSU, including President of Living Center South and Chancellor of Delta Sigma Pi. She said Program Board still has a lot of work to do and believes with her experience in the organization she will be able to focus on the issues rather than spending time learning the basics about the procedures and position.

Dillard said she is confident in her abilities, but she recognizes that the choice to not host a concert this spring might affect her campaign. She hopes now that students understand the entire process of bringing a musical act to campus they will be more likely to participate in this year's concert survey.

"Students can look forward to another survey. The more input we get, the better the concert will be in the end," Dillard said.

If re-elected, she has a lot of ideas for the organization, with showcasing the talent of the students being a main priority.

"I think the coffeehouse this past month was amazing," Dillard said. "We have a lot of talent here at SVSU and we need to utilize that talent."

Opposing candidate Eric Read also thinks his previous experience will provide him with a basic understanding of what needs to be done in order to guide the members of Program Board into becoming campus leaders next year. His main priority if elected would be to help students gain more pride in the school.

"I would like to say that Program Board achieved helping the students gain more 'red pride' by working with at least one other organization to promote athletic events on our campus," Read said.

When asked if his lack of experience with Program Board could sway the votes, he said he thinks experience as a leader in SA provided him with relevant experience.

"I don't think me being in SA will hurt anything," Read said. "I've been involved with many groups that strive for the same goal-making the campus better by serving the students."

A debate between the candidates will be held on Wednesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. Students are encouraged to ask questions that may be answered by both candidates.