On Wednesday night Matt Epting and Sarah Campbell celebrated the end of the presidential campaign — and they’re already making history.
Although the campaign was uncontested, the future Student Government Association president and vice-president will begin the shortest term to date starting Thursday.
Unofficially confirming the pair until November, Wednesday’s election tally totaled 3.2 percent of eligible student voters, according to the election report. Epting and Campbell’s transitional term will be half the length of previous terms because of a referendum passed in 2012, which changed the timing of presidential terms.
"It's probably one of the lower voter turnouts that SGA has had in its history,” said Epting, political science and public relations junior.
In addition to the shortest SGA presidency, this term set a precedent for one of the lowest student voter turnouts.
"(Elections) could have been a lot more stressful," human relations major Campbell said, "It's just exciting to see that campus is still involved."
Epting’s been involved with SGA throughout his entire time at OU. By engaging in conversations with students about their desired college experiences, Epting and Campbell developed an agenda to maximize the undergraduate student experience, Epting said.
“Our platform is based on ideas of making the student experience better,” Epting said. Under the slogan, “Be bold,” the new leaders will advocate for students through a slew of new programs, including a higher education coalition and dead week reform.
Epting said he's learned about the presidency through his friendships with two former student body presidents, Ernest Ezuego and Joe Sangirardi.
“(I) started to realize later in my junior year that this is a way I can really serve OU,” Epting said.
Last year when Epting started to consider running for the position, he realized that choosing Campbell as his running mate was an obvious decision.
Epting and Campbell met during their first two weeks at OU, serving together in SGA's Sooner Freshman Council and later as Soonerthon directors.
"We have just been friends ever since," Campbell said.
More recently, Campbell organized Soonerthon as this year's Campus Activites Council event chair while Epting served in her committee. Campbell's leadership impressed Epting as she organized Soonerthon participants to raise over $300,000—more than the preceding two years combined, Epting said.
"When I thought about the ideas that I had and the ways I wanted to impact OU… I thought, 'What better example than Sarah Campbell?'" Epting said.
Campbell brings "incredible energy" and has consistently delivered results through her leadership on campus, Epting said.
Campbell said she was honored and excited when Epting approached her to run as his vice president. Their unique dynamic as long-time friends allows them to work especially well together, she said.
"I think what's very special about Matt and myself is that we have that friend basis," Campbell said. "We can already communicate with each other very well, and I think that'll be a huge item for us this semester."
Campbell said serving as Soonerthon event chair enabled her to personally connect with many students in different areas across campus.
"Having made those one-on-one conversations about what (students) want to see happen at this university, I think will be a great transition into this new term," Campbell said.
As vice president, Campbell will work closely with the Sooner Freshman Council—a unique experience since she served on the inaugural council in 2011.
"I think we'll make some really incredible things happen." Campbell said.
