Appalachian State Elects New Student Body President and VP

Elizabeth Ford and Yauri Hatcher will lead the student government for the 2026-27 academic year.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:33pm

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Elizabeth Ford, a junior political science major, and Yauri Hatcher, a sophomore international business major, have been elected as the new student body president and vice president of Appalachian State University. The Ford-Hatcher campaign focused on connecting transfer students, increasing mental health resources, supporting student organizations, and unifying the student body.

Why it matters

The student body president and vice president play a crucial role in representing the interests and needs of the Appalachian State student community. Their election is an important event that shapes the direction of student government and campus life for the upcoming academic year.

The details

Ford currently serves as a College of Arts and Sciences representative in the Student Government Association, while Hatcher represents the University College. The election results were reviewed and certified by the Deputy Assembly Speaker, the chair of the SGA Elections Court, and staff members from the Office of Campus Activities.

  • The election took place on March 29, 2026.
  • Ford and Hatcher will begin their term as student body president and vice president in the 2026-27 academic year.

The players

Elizabeth Ford

A junior political science major who currently serves in the Student Government Association as a College of Arts and Sciences representative.

Yauri Hatcher

A sophomore international business major who currently serves as a University College representative in the Student Government Association.

Julia Graffeo

The Deputy Assembly Speaker and chair of the SGA Elections Court.

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What they’re saying

“The election results were reviewed by Deputy Assembly Speaker Julia Graffeo, the chair of the SGA Elections Court and Office of Campus Activities staff members.”

— Julia Graffeo, Deputy Assembly Speaker, Chair of the SGA Elections Court

What’s next

Ford and Hatcher will be sworn in and begin their term as student body president and vice president at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

The takeaway

The election of Ford and Hatcher as the new student body president and vice president reflects the Appalachian State student community's desire for leaders who will prioritize connecting transfer students, improving mental health resources, supporting student organizations, and unifying the campus.