MTSU’s Student Government Association held its second consecutive inauguration on Thursday for its newly elected 2026-27 officers. 

SGA officers, members, friends and family gathered in the James Union Building Tennessee Room to recognize the contributions of members over the past year and to swear in new officers. 

“In past years, [the ceremony] has been part of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership awards dinner,” Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Danny Kelley said. 

The ceremony also recognized the recipients of awards like Outstanding Senator of the Year and the Michael McDonald Councilor of the Year. 

Order of ceremony

Election Commissioner Luis Esmurria III delivered opening remarks and recognized the attendance of university officials and former SGA presidents. 

Current SGA President RJ Ware then led the audience in a reading of the True Blue Pledge and thanked MTSU’s administration and SGA. 

“Tonight, as I enter the end of my term, I’m just filled with gratitude,” Ware said. “Serving as your SGA president has been one of the most meaningful things in my life.”

Current Vice President and President-elect Kennedy Garrett delivered the 88th Congress recognitions. She recognized the Freshman Council for their “commitment to meaningful change through legislative efforts” as well as the Senate.

“As a senator, it’s good to relive our accomplishments and watch as each president member steps down and the new members step up to see what we can accomplish for the next year,” sophomore SGA Senator Journee Lander said. 

Outgoing executive board committee members received recognition for their service and delivered their final remarks. 

“One thing I’ve learned from serving in this position is it’s not a one-man show,” outgoing Homecoming Director Sydney Barnett said. “It takes an army to be successful.”

Ware then called the incoming Executive Board to the stage, where he led them in their oath of office.

The sworn-in executive board includes Chief of Staff Sidney Ware, Communications Director Jasmine James, Attorney General Gael Avila Rojas, Events Director Devin McClendon and Homecoming Director Kae Sigler. 

RJ Ware then invited incoming Vice President Nia Moore to take the oath of office. 

Raising her right hand, Moore pledged, “I do solemnly affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Student Government Association of Middle Tennessee State University. I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of which I’m about to enter.” 

RJ Ware made a final tribute to Garrett and said she has been an “incredible governing partner.” 

Garrett delivered her oath of office and inaugural address, thanking God, her parents and her fellow SGA members. 

“This presidency is not about me, it’s about all of us,” Garett said. “I’m ready to listen, to lead and to serve.”  

Esmurria delivered the closing remarks for the ceremony and to the audience. 

“The walk ahead will demand patience and leadership,” Esmurria said. 

Awards, achievements and performances

The Senate renamed the Freshman Councilor of the Year award after 53rd SGA President Michael McDonald, honoring his pioneering leadership as the first Black SGA president. 

For his legislative achievements and dedication, Jeremiah Frizzell is the first-ever recipient of the Michael McDonald Freshman Councilor of the Year award. 

Garrett presented the Jean Finch Outstanding Senator of the Year award to Truvell Haddox for his dedication to the student body and his sponsorship of legislation. 

The Senate recognized committee chairs and officers for their leadership and service in the 2025-2026 school year. The Election Commission also highlights their successful organization of homecoming, SGA’s growing social media engagement and SGA elections’ record voter turnout. 

SGA member Alena Eden closed the event, performing Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All.” 

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