| May
7, 2001 Sisters support, serve students at Arkansas State University The new president and vice president of the Arkansas State University Student Government Association are fortunate to have a personal advisory council, a close pair of consultants they’ve 
known their entire lives.President Andrea Smalec of Mountain Home and Vice President Joycelin Benton of North Little Rock may even tell you they receive too much advice from their advisors, twin sisters Heather Smalec and Joyvin Benton. Andrea and Joycelin recently took office after defeating incumbent David Huckabee and running mate Deatra Rieke by 775 votes to 609 in a highly contested race. The political pair supported a platform that included a student book exchange, a money saving initiative for students; more parking spaces for students’ use; and 24-hour inter-visitation at student residence halls. Both sets of twins have been active on campus and served in various capacities in the Student Government Association. Heather is serving as a senior senator and Joyvin is serving as treasurer in their sisters’ administration. Joycelin, a political science and speech communication major, and Joyvin, a psychology major, agree their interest in politics began in the fifth grade when their father encouraged them to take a stance for equality on the school’s playground. The girls successfully acquired more access to the basketball court for other young girls at their school. "It felt good to accomplish something," Joyvin said. "We met with the principal and had a lot of support from teachers and students. Everyone signed our petition." "I guess that’s when our interest in politics all started," Joycelin added. Each of the sisters attended Governor’s School and took leadership positions in their high school’s student organizations. Their involvement in high school government progressed to their interest in university student leadership, and their support for one another has remained constant throughout their endeavors. "I’ve always wanted to be president, even as a freshman here," Andrea said. "I knew towards the end of my sophomore year and especially after leaving my post as public relations director during the David Howell/David Huckabee administration." Throughout the campaign the sisters worked together to ensure success at the polls. Although each of the young women admitted there were times when they feared defeat would prevail, all of them had a drive and desire to help students that helped push Andrea and Joycelin into the top offices. "Heather and her roommate purchased a large and expensive sign to place on campus, and that was great," Andrea said. "She was always there for me during the campaign, and at times it was hard because people confuse us. She has to explain that they have the wrong sister." "Joyvin has always been very supportive," Joycelin added. "We would often hear stuff or think that too much was stacked against us during the race, but we kept it together. And she was always positive that we could win. We worked even harder so there would be no doubt as to who the winner was on election night." Heather, who is a member of Gamma Beta Phi and the Young Democrats, is a friend of Huckabee’s and admitted it was difficult during the campaign to stay out of the crossfire. "At first it was hard and I told both of them that I wanted to remain neutral. But as the campaign advanced I really couldn’t tell what David’s platform was and knew my sister was doing the right thing," Heather said. "I just didn’t want to make enemies of anyone." Aside from the hard work that is required of a full-time student and SGA representative, the sisters maintain their amusing personalities. Sentences are commonly completed by one another and their styles and preferences are strikingly similar, but they maintain their own goals and ideals. As the spring semester comes to a close, all four sisters look forward to the short summer months and summer jobs, and to a successful term in office. "I’m looking forward to accomplishing a lot of great things for Arkansas State," Joycelin said. "We want to maintain an office where people are comfortable coming to us with their concerns. We want to create a student-friendly administration." Andrea voiced similar sentiments about the administration. "I see this year as a very productive one. We want students to know we’re not just here to make changes, but to also change their outlook to a positive one. We want them to know they do have a voice with the administration and they’re welcome to come to us with the smallest issue, " Andrea added. The sisters all agreed they will work together to reach their goal: to make Arkansas State University a great place, a place where each student can be proud. Downloadable Image: SGA Twin Sisters (137Kk) |
 University Communications Office Jonesboro, Arkansas Staff: Tom Moore Straley Snipes Vic Nelson 870-972-3056 fax 870-972-3069 Send mail: ASUnews@omaha.astate.edu Links: List of News/Announcements Upcoming Public Events About ASU ASU Home Page |
|
|
NewsPage: asunews.astate.edu/newspage.htm | Back to TOP | |