Charity Ketu and Reagan Stephens will face off April 9 in a historic election that guarantees Texas Christian University will have its first female student body president in four years.
Despite women comprising approximately 60% of TCU’s student population, the university has seen four consecutive male presidents since 2020-2021. This year’s election will end that streak.
Ketu, the current vice president, champions academic transparency, sustainability initiatives and campus inclusivity through collaborative partnerships.
Stephens, the current speaker of the House, focuses on improving career advising and enhancing student experience through community engagement.
“I believe that this year’s election will be a fantastic race that highlights some of our wonderful student leaders here at TCU,” Anna Claire Taylor, the Student Government Association’s election board chair, said. “Our candidates are all very dedicated to their campaigns and eager to create positive change here on campus. “
Budget challenges
The winner will take office as TCU’s Student Government Association (SGA) faces confirmed budget cuts for the 2025-2026 academic year, part of a campus-wide 7% reduction.
The popular fall concert, one of SGA’s major annual events, is among the programs that may face funding reductions.
“We’re working hard to preserve the fall concert despite the budget cuts,” Julia Laswell, the current treasurer, said. “It’s a tradition that students value, so we’re looking at creative solutions to ensure it continues even as we restructure other funding priorities.”
Election details
Candidates will debate at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8. You can catch the live debate on tcu360.com.
On election day, polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Taylor encourages all students to participate in the upcoming election.
“I hope the student body will take the opportunity to learn more about the candidates and to get excited about the future of TCU,” she said.
