Higher Education
Higher Education

African-American trio makes history in UGA student elections

UGA students elected, for the first time, African-Americans to the top three posts in its student government association. From left are Treasurer-elect Destin Mizelle, President-elect Ammishaddai Grand-Jean and Vice President-elect Charlene Marsh. PHOTO CREDIT: University of Georgia.
UGA students elected, for the first time, African-Americans to the top three posts in its student government association. From left are Treasurer-elect Destin Mizelle, President-elect Ammishaddai Grand-Jean and Vice President-elect Charlene Marsh. PHOTO CREDIT: University of Georgia.
By
March 30, 2018

Three University of Georgia students from metro Atlanta will make history next week when they become the first group of African-Americans inaugurated to the top three positions in its student government.

Ammishaddai Grand-Jean, a third-year student from Jonesboro majoring in political science and economics, was elected president. Charlene Marsh, a third-year political science and international affairs major from Norcross, was elected vice president. Destin Mizelle, a third-year psychology major from College Park, was elected treasurer.

The three students campaigned together as what they called the “believe” ticket, UGA officials said in a news release Thursday. Their top three goals: making student government simpler and more connected to students, cultivating transparency and discussion on issues like diversity, sexual assault and mental health and fostering a spirit of cooperation among student organizations.

A record 8,006 students voted in the election, about 21 percent of its undergraduate student body, UGA officials said. About 8 percent of UGA’s undergrads are African-American, according to state data.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday on campus.

About the Author

Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.

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