Clemson University’s next Graduate Student Government (GSG) president will soon be determined through the electoral process. Voting opened to the graduate student body on Tuesday, April 14 and closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 17. Three presidential candidates — all of which have been connected through GSG previously — took part in an open forum Monday, April 13 in McKissick Theatre.
Justin Gibson ’24 has served as chief parliamentary counsel and director of governance, elections and legislative affairs since January. A Ph.D. student and graduate research assistant in bioengineering, Gibson outlined his plan to transform advocacy into strategic partnership, invest more in graduate researchers and teachers, and to improve graduate commute logistics to reduce stress for students.
“I’m running for GSG president because I believe graduate students are a cornerstone toward achieving the pillars within Clemson Elevate,” Gibson says.
Matt Harrington ’23 has been a GSG senator for two years and spent most of that time in the President’s Cabinet. A master’s student pursuing dual degrees, Harrington spoke openly about building trust with graduate students, administration, faculty and staff. He urges more integration with undergraduate student government counterparts, along with Faculty Senate and Staff Senate. His platform is built on representation, communication and effectiveness.
“GSG only works when everyone is heard and our voices are represented passionately,” Harrington says.
The third candidate, Sravani Pati M ‘24, is a first-year Ph.D. student in computer science. She has been a GSG senator for the past year and serves as president of the Clemson Indian Students Association. Additionally, she mentors undergraduate research students in the Creative Inquiry program. Pati outlined her plan to address the challenges graduate students face at Clemson, including awareness of GSG, navigating an uncertain job market and difficulty in networking.
“I am running for GSG president not just to lead, but to build bridges ever graduate student deserves,” Pati says.
Graduate students can cast their vote for the next president in Qualtrics.
