Jerrell Hooker was elected Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Student Government Association

Hooker Elected VP of Internal Affairs

Captain of soccer team to serve in SGA

By: Chinomso Nwachuku

Posted: 4/7/08

Junior Jerrell Hooker, the Captain of Lincoln University's men's soccer team, has been elected to the position of Vice-President of Internal Affairs in Student Government Association (S.G.A).

Hooker will replace the current Vice-President of Internal Affairs, Chester Hampton, before Spring Fling, a week of social events sponsored by S.G.A.

When asked how it feels to be the new Vice-President of Internal Affairs, Hooker replied: "It is a big accomplishment and I can not wait to take on the challenges that the position entails," he said.

The elections took place on Tuesday Mar. 25, 2008. Students were given the choice of voting electronically via an online ballot on Lincoln University's website or manually in the cafeteria located in the Living Learning Center (LLC).

In the course to victory, Hooker defeated a diverse group of candidates. The candidates were Mark "Cleveland" Colvin, a student known for his eccentric forums such as "The Art of Creeping," and "Are all Men Dogs?" De'Ron Brazile, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Kevin Bonner, a musician and a member of the class of 2010 and DaVian Smith, a member of the class of 2009.

According to Hooker, it was an extremely close race between him and Colvin. However, he says that his attributes gave him an edge over Colvin and the rest of the candidates.

"I am committed, focused, and dedicated," Hooker said. "I have experience in running an organization, being a part of an organization and being a member of a team. I always put the needs of others first" he added.

"He campaigned well," said Brazile, a fellow candidate. "I wish him the best of luck with the position."

Harold Williams, the current President Pro-Temp said that Hooker will have many challenges before him.

"I hope he builds on what we did and have goals for the senate," said Williams.

Hooker's campaign platform focused on extending library hours, extending cafeteria time and improving the quality of food in the cafeteria. He also wanted to create more activities for students on campus. In addition, Hooker stressed improving the academic standing of Lincoln University's faculty, staff, and students.

"I want to be the voice of the students and to make a change," the native of Cunupia, Trinidad and Tobago said. "I want to improve Lincoln University's standing when it pertains to students being satisfied in and out of the classroom."

Hooker believes his plan to implement change on Lincoln University's campus will be very effective. He said that he has already spoken to the administration in charge of the departments that he wants to improve. Of the various issues that he hopes to tackle, the quality of food is at the forefront of Hooker's agenda.

"I have spoken to Sodexho and they are willing to listen to the concerns of the students," Hooker said.

Hooker is not a stranger to leadership positions. At Lincoln, he said that he's been able to hone his leadership qualities.

He has served as vice-president of the Caribbean Student Association (C.S.A) and has also captained the Lincoln University's men's soccer team for three years. He received the honor of captain of the soccer team as a sophomore, a great achievement for someone of his age. He has also coached soccer clinics for young soccer talents. Furthermore, Hooker served as a floor manager at Starbucks.

"He is a well-rounded individual," said Aiesha Hudson, the current treasurer of C.S.A. "He is capable of doing anything that he puts his mind to."

"He is a leader based on change and uplifting Lincoln University," added Quinton Lightbourne, the current President of C.S.A. and newly elected Treasurer for S.G.A.

Hooker said the leadership positions, that he held previously, has prepared him well for the position of Vice-President of Internal Affairs. He cites being Captain of the soccer as one the leadership roles that added his campaign. The soccer fanatic sees similarities between the sport of soccer and the position that he was elected to.

"You must be a team, be humble and be able to listen to your teammates," Hooker said referring to the relationship between his S.G.A position and his favorite sport. "Both positions require you to be an ambassador for the university" he added.

As for his future aspirations, the accounting major wants to become a certified public accountant (CPA) as well as acquire his master's degree in sports management.