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Kris Miranda will be the next GPSA Council Chair.
GPSA Council representatives elected Miranda on Saturday in a 25-11 vote. His term begins in May.
Miranda said he didn’t expect to win by such a large margin. In the next academic year, UNM will have a new GPSA president and several new council representatives, but Miranda said he’s ready to face whatever challenges are presented to him.
“I’m definitely honored that (so) many people think I can do this or want me to do this,” he said. “It’ll be interesting just because there are so many people on this year’s council who are graduating.”
Michael Verrilli, the other candidate for council chair, said despite his loss he will continue to serve as GPSA College of Education president.
“I’ve been a rep for the past three years,” he said. “I don’t see it being too different next year, quite honestly, I plan on being as involved as I am.”
GPSA Election Chair Tim Borror said the council chair facilitates GPSA meetings to ensure they are productive and focused. He said it is important for the council chair to have strong guidance and leadership skills.
“It is up to them sometimes to decide where things need to be guided and directed,” he said. “Having a pretty strong personality and a backbone is important.”
Miranda said he plans to form stronger relationships with professional students.
Miranda said he is excited to recruit graduate students from professional schools, including UNM School of Law as well as the College of Education and the nursing school to serve in GPSA. He said he will make the process more personal by attending each school’s individual orientation sessions.
Outgoing GPSA President Katie Richardson said she is optimistic about the future of the organization.
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“I feel very confident in the future of GPSA in the hands of President-elect Marissa Silva and Council Chair-elect Kris Miranda,” she said. “I know that they’re going to dedicate themselves to serving graduate and professional students and continue making sure that our voices and concerns are heard at the University.”
