Two MSA chairpersons resign

The new chairpersons will be instated at the Oct. 28 Senate meeting.

By Kaylen Ralph

Published Oct. 2, 2009

Two Missouri Students Association Committee chairpersons have resigned from their positions this week.

Operations Committee Chairman Josh Travis announced his resignation at the Wednesday MSA Senate meeting, effective as of the Oct. 28 Senate meeting.

On Thursday, Academic Affairs Chairwoman Erica Zucco, a Maneater columnist, announced her resignation to Senate Speaker Amanda Shelton and the Academic Affairs committee.

Shelton e-mailed applications for both positions Thursday afternoon.

"After the past few weeks of this semester, I've realized that I don't have enough time to devote myself fully to journalism and to what Senate deserves from a committee chair," Zucco said in an e-mail to Shelton and her committee. "And while I've really enjoyed my time as Academic Affairs committee chair, I think that someone with more time and vision to devote to the position would be a better fit."

Zucco will still remain an active Senator in the Missouri Students Association. She plans to remain a chairwoman long enough to train the next chairperson as well.

Travis will hold his position through the Oct. 28 Senate meeting, upon which Shelton will appoint a new Operations Committee chairperson.

"I started contemplating my resignation in July, and I planned to be out by today, but then I was like, I'll stay a little longer," Travis said. "You need to recognize when a chapter has closed and when you're needed elsewhere."

In the past, Travis worked extensively with the Missouri YMCA Youth in Government program in Jefferson City. Because of his desire to get more actively involved with youth in the Columbia area, Travis said his time in MSA needs to be over, at least for now.

"I came to this decision following discussions with my mother, prayer and meditation," Travis said. "You have to sit down and answer the question of what matters the most. The fight to give kids positive role models is the one I feel I need to be in right now."

In his speech to Senate, Travis emphasized the importance of following one's heart over one's head in certain matters, of which his decision to resign was one. He cited his favorite passage from Proverbs, 3:5-6.

"Cast your cares up on the Lord, trust in Him with all your heart and he shall direct your path," Travis said.

Shelton received his letter of resignation, and was surprised. She said Travis would be missed in the Senate as a resource for tough issues, both as a strong leader and as a friend.

"I was surprised when Josh submitted his letter of resignation on Wednesday, but I wasn't surprised by his motives,” Shelton said. “His strong commitment to Missouri youth is well-known throughout Senate. I am fully confident that his passions for teaching and government will benefit many young people for years to come."

Shelton said she had people express interest in the positions already, but she does not have any one person in mind.

“I hope to have a nominee to present to the committee by Oct. 20," Shelton said.