In a historic victory, Zayla Bryant and Kennedy Williams have been elected as the new Student Government Association president and vice president at Florida A&M University.
The Bryant-Williams ticket secured 56% of the vote, earning 2,005 votes in Tuesday’s election. They defeated incumbent President Loryn May and her running mate, Nissa Phillip, who received 1,596 votes, or 44%.
Bryant and Williams made history as the first all-female duo to hold FAMU’s top student leadership positions. They campaigned on a platform centered on inclusivity, innovation and student empowerment.
“We are incredibly honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve our fellow students,” Bryant said in a post-election statement. “Our goal is to ensure that every student’s voice is heard and that we create a campus environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.”
May and Phillip expressed their gratitude to the student body for the opportunity to serve and congratulated Bryant and Williams on their win.
“We want to thank Loryn and Nissa for their dedication and hard work,” Williams said. “We look forward to building on their achievements and addressing the challenges that lie ahead.”
In addition to the SGA elections, FAMU students also elected new campus royalty. Edwina Fleuridor was named Miss FAMU, narrowly defeating her opponent, Tatiana Bell, with 51% of the vote.
Miles Howard was elected Mister FAMU, winning in a landslide with 63% of the vote. Howard received 2,029 votes, while his opponent earned 1,205 votes, or 37%.
“We are thrilled to welcome Edwina and Miles as our new Miss FAMU and Mister FAMU,” Bryant said. “Their leadership and commitment to our university will undoubtedly inspire and uplift our community.”
Bryant and Williams bring extensive student leadership experience to their new roles. Bryant, a third-year business administration student from Atlanta, currently serves as the 54th SGA Senate president. As SGA president, she will also serve as a student representative on the FAMU Board of Trustees.
Williams, a second-year history pre-law student from West Palm Beach, is a current student senator.
“We are committed to working tirelessly for the betterment of our university and our fellow students,” Bryant said. “Together, we can make FAMU an even stronger and more vibrant community.”
Bryant and Williams, along with Fleuridor and Howard, will officially take office in the coming weeks as FAMU prepares for the 2025-2026 academic year.
“Thank you, FAMU, for placing your trust in us,” Bryant said. “We hope to serve you well, always placing your needs first. We love you all.”