Connor Dugosh loves to read and write. Specifically, he likes to write screenplays. But in his spare time, he said he likes to help UT. After starting as a senator for Reese Hall his freshman year, Dugosh has been involved in SGA ever since. Now SGA’s vice president, the Murfreesboro native told The Daily Beacon more about himself, as well as the projects and plans SGA says they will address this school year.
Daily Beacon: How was running for your position?
Connor Dugosh: Running was pretty stressful. There were a lot of things to consider. Kelsey (Keny, SGA president) and I didn’t really have a lot of time on our hands, because it was a last minute decision to go through. It was difficult to balance campaigning and getting people to support us. We knew what we were doing as far as our ideas. It was stressful, but it was also a lot of fun.
DB: The election turn-out this past year was record low. What would you say to students about voting?
CD: I don’t blame people for not voting. SGA hasn’t done a great job being very visible on campus with what they do. The student government might not be the most visible organization. We don’t host programs; we’re not a programming council, but we do a lot of the behind the scenes work that makes things easier with classes, easier on game days. It’s really important to vote for these people, because they’re the people in these meetings who represent all students on campus. Hopefully we’ll have better turnout next spring, because we’re taking steps internally to see where we can solve that issue.
DB: What projects and issues are you focusing on?
CD: We are looking to re-brand SGA. One of the biggest things we’re focusing on more than ever is outreach and campus partnerships. We’re being more actively engaged in student organizations and seeing what they’re up to, working with different campus departments and programs to see where they need support from us. I think in the past we’ve been reached out to several times, and haven’t really been able to get our stuff together to make things happen. Hopefully through that we can make more of a visible, tangible impact on campus that more students will notice, and more students will vote for in the end.
We’ve been working since June with different administrators to plan projects, and we’ve had great reception.
DB: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
CD: ?I wanted to be a Dalmatian. It was a thing until I was in fifth grade. It’s not still the plan.
DB: Why do you love UT?
CD: It’s pretty unique. I love a lot of our traditions. Not every university can say that. For me personally, I’ve always felt at home here. I’ve grown most here. It has a special place in my heart.
DB: Who is your role model?
?CD: My dad is my top role model. He has had multiple sclerosis for years, so he’s not really able to walk, and he’s had a full time job since I was born and has provided for our family. He’s always been there for me in that sense. It brings motivation to my life.
