ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) student Dayana Garza has been sworn in as the University of North Carolina Association of Student Government’s (UNC ASG) next Senior Vice President. 

Garza is a junior who is a dedicated and passionate student advocate, who has been actively involved in various student leadership roles throughout her time at ECSU. Her commitment to promoting student welfare and fostering positive change within the university community has earned her widespread respect and admiration amongst her peers and faculty members alike.  

“I was extremely involved in my high school’s student government association and wanted to continue it in college,” Garza says. 

It was in her junior year that she ran for Student Government Association executive board. She currently serves as the vice president of external affairs and the campus liaison for UNC ASG. It was during this time that she took a deep dive into what the ASG was about.  

“This position prepared me by learning how to work within a team that has the same goal in mind for the student body. It helped me to work cohesively with those of different perspectives,” Garza said. “This has also helped me to learn and connect with other SGA delegations from other UNC campuses in hopes of gaining new knowledge on how to effectively build within the student body.”  

Jarvis Walls, assistant director of student programming said Garza’s leadership with her fellow students is inspiring because she enjoys doing it.  

“Her leadership ensures that the voices and needs of the students are considered and heard. ASG is very lucky to have her as she embodies the true meaning of Viking Pride,” Walls said. 

Speaking about her new role, Garza expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve her university and the broader UNC community.  

“I am honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility and am committed to advocating on behalf of ECSU and students amongst the UNC system schools,” she said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues in the UNC ASG to effect positive change and enhance the educational experience for all UNC students.”