A New Chapter for SGA: Hope Jacob Steps Into the Presidency
Hope Jacob looks to strengthen structure, student life and campus inclusion
In recent weeks, students at Bethel College voted for a new president of the Student Government Association. The organization serves as the official representative body for students at most colleges and universities. It advocates for student needs, manages student activity fees, and helps organize campus events, initiatives and committees that directly impact student life.
Among several strong candidates, the elected president was Hope Jacob. She is currently serving as vice president and said she is excited to take the next step as president in the upcoming school year. Jacob is a nursing major and a member of the dance team, balancing academics, extracurricular involvement and leadership responsibilities on campus.
Like every organization, the Student Government Association relies on a group of qualified students who are willing to help oversee responsibilities and support the student body in the best possible way. Jacob emphasized that leadership within SGA is a collective effort rather than an individual role.
“I have my cabinet members, who are the rest of my executive committee, to help me facilitate and make sure everything is running as it should and following the Constitution,” Jacob said. She also highlighted the strong position of SGA and its members as a whole. “The previous SGAs have done a really great job of revamping our legislative branch. Our Senate and senators are in a great position, and everything is running smoothly.”
As she prepares to step into her new role, Jacob has identified several areas where she hopes to make a positive impact. One of her primary goals is to strengthen the structure and accountability of SGA as an organization.
“Our next big project is our judicial branch — getting them in a similar format of how things run, just so everybody can be held accountable and feel like they are truly a valuable part of SGA,” she said. She added that respect among members is essential to maintaining a healthy and effective organization. “There is a reason all of us are in it, so we all deserve the respect in that.”
Her emphasis on structure and accountability reflects a broader goal of ensuring that every member feels valued and heard. Creating an environment where students feel represented and included remains a central priority for the organization moving forward.
In addition to internal improvements, Jacob also pointed to future projects that will directly impact the wider student body. She expressed interest in encouraging the Senate to take on larger initiatives that enhance campus life and improve student experiences.
“I want to help encourage the Senate to do those big activities and projects that are updating campus,” Jacob said. “They are going to update the Mods lobby, so those bigger projects that enhance student life are on the way.”
Campus improvements, including renovations and updates to shared student spaces, have been an ongoing topic of conversation among students. Jacob’s focus on these initiatives signals continued attention to student concerns and a commitment to improving the campus environment.
At the same time, Jacob acknowledged challenges that extend beyond physical spaces. One issue she highlighted is the experience of international students, particularly their sense of belonging and connection within the campus community.
“I want to help our international students,” Jacob said. “In the past, they have had greater resources and connections to the community, and in the last few years, that connection has been lost.”
She hopes to rebuild that sense of connection through specific initiatives. “I want or kind of hope the host parent programs come back. I think having the international student club would be very beneficial for those students, and it is really important to help our students in that way,” she said.
These efforts reflect a broader commitment to inclusion and support for all students, particularly those who may feel disconnected from campus life. By focusing on both structural improvements and community-building efforts, Jacob aims to create a more supportive and engaging environment for everyone.
Finally, Jacob shared her personal motivation for pursuing the presidency. She described her experience in SGA as a significant learning opportunity that ultimately encouraged her to take on a larger leadership role.
“It was a big learning experience, with lots of different paths I had to look into and understand how it all worked,” she said. “Learning it all from Taryn and seeing her passion was really inspiring.”
For Jacob, running for president was not always something she envisioned for herself. However, her experiences within the organization and the mentorship she received helped build her confidence and prepared her for the role she now holds.