By ABIGAIL SHEARER
Tiger Media Network
During Thursday’s Student Government Association meeting, Reese Barrick, director of the Sternberg Museum, provided the Senate with updates on the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.
Barrick started by explaining a stronger water initiative for the western part of Kansas.
“The State of Kansas has awarded a significant grant to Fort Hays State University to support vital water conservation programs,” he said. “These initiatives include comprehensive water audits and assisting western Kansas residents in testing their water quality.”
He told the Senate about freshman Hailey Witte, who made history by qualifying for national rodeo events. This is the first FHSU student to do so in 23 years.
Barrick also announced that the cadaver lab is undergoing extensive renovations this summer. This will include improvements such as upgraded audio-visual equipment, increased space, additional cadavers, and expanded research opportunities.
“This development marks a major advancement in hands-on learning for health and science students,” he said.
As the director of the Sternberg Museum, he also told the Senate about upcoming museum events, such as the educational outreach for high school students happening this summer. He also mentioned the summer featured exhibit “Animal Armour”, visitor engagement crossing around 46,000 visitors, and research developments like the DNA extraction lab.
Barrick commented about recent federal policy decisions and how they have affected the museum.
“Recent federal decisions have eliminated funding for museum and library services, resulting in a substantial loss for Sternberg,” he said.
This loss will impact student roles and educational programming. Community members are encouraged to contact their representatives if they wish to advocate for the restoration of this funding.
In New Business, there were 16 bills up for first reading.
Bill No. 25.S.152 was moved to emergency business to move $3,000 to the SGA Equipment Account and passed unanimously.
Bill No. 25.S.153 was moved to emergency business to fund Cybersecurity Club equipment and passed unanimously.
Bill No. 25.S. 154 was moved to emergency business for a line item change for Delta Zeta and passed unanimously.
Bill No. 25.S. 155 was moved to emergency business for Alpha Gamma Delta to create a New Line Item and passed unanimously.
Bill No. 25.S. 156, discussing the SGA budget for next school year was moved to emergency business and passed unanimously.
In Old Business, one bill was untabled and up for a second reading.
Bill No. 25.S.133 was for Alisha Brantley to be a Student Justice for the Student-Faculty Court and passed unanimously.
The final SGA meeting of the semester will be on Thursday, May 8.