Lauren King, the newly-announced Student Government Association director of communications has no prior SGA experience ­­­– but what she does have, is a connection and comfort among multiple student groups on campus, something she believes will aide her in her new role.

“I am involved in everything. I’m on dance team, so I work with athletics; I’m in AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha), so I’m part of Greek Life; a student ambassador and I’m also a commuter,” King said.

King also served as a resident assistant last year, another asset she believes will help her connect with students.

The director of communications position, which has been unfilled since the administration’s first choice, mass communication senior Lily Cummings, declined the position last spring, has finally been filled by the biology – pre-health junior from Little Rock, Arkansas.

After SGA President Jessamyn Reichmann found herself without an integral member of her team, she said she wanted to be intentional with her next choice for the position, a job which Reichmann said was outdated in the current SGA constitution.

“When I was looking at this position, I was really trying to see what purpose I want it to serve, and basically repurposing it,” Reichmann said. “Right now, it’s the official spokesperson, but we want it to be more intentional.”

Reichmann credited her careful consideration of the nine applicants for the delay in naming King.

“I’m all about the individual person and how they work within our team, and Lauren was just the best fit,” Reichmann said.

King, who is still in her first week on the job, admitted she was nervous about jumping into the role.

“But I’m also super excited. And I feel like my excitement is overpowering my nerves because the cabinet here are very welcoming and super excited to work with me,” King said.

During her tenure, King said she wants to focus on SGA visibility among students and making sure student voices are heard and amplified. Two concrete plans she is already working on include defining and establishing an official SGA motto that will help guide SGA members as they work toward the mission, and increasing SGA pop-ups and meet and greets so students feel comfortable around their representatives.

“I feel like it’s important that the communications director is approachable, is willing to listen and is also able to take critique and criticism very well,” King said. “I want to learn more about students on campus; I want to increase the cohesion among Loyola students and the Student Government Association.”