Homecoming elections for UT Martin took place on Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. and students had the opportunity to vote online until 6 p.m. that evening. Many students could find QR Codes on nominees’ booths to vote or on social media, such as the Student Government Association Instagram, The Black Student Association Instagram, and the respected fraternities and sororities running for court. The students who are on the homecoming court are as follows:
Queen Court
Shakeva Williams – Black Student Association
Claire O’Connor, representing Zeta Tau Alpha
Emma Copley – Alpha Omicron Pi
Kallie Worrell – Alpha Delta Pi
Aubrey Hubbard – Chi Omega
King Court
Jessie Chamberlain – Student-Athlete Advisory Council
Tyler Swearengen – NPHC
Grant Ream – Kappa Alpha OrderNick Williamson – Pi Kappa AlphaHayden Swearingen – Alpha Gamma Rho
The students will be presented as homecoming court nominees on Saturday, Oct. 21 during the homecoming football game. The Homecoming king and queen will then be announced during the half-time segment of the game.
As nominations and submissions for homecoming court began on campus, nominations have been conducted differently this year. With the chance for students representing an organization to run this year compared to the traditional Greek life campaign, nominations closed officially on the evening of Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.The week of Oct. 1 started the official kick-off of homecoming campaigns, which include individuals of numerous student organizations competing for a chance to win homecoming court during the 2023 homecoming game.
As the organizations started their campaigns, students found posters, stickers, and even buttons around campus showcasing each representative. Organizations running this year include the Black Student Association, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, American Criminal Justice Association, College Panhellenic Council chapter representatives, and Interfraternity Council chapter representatives.
College Panhellenic Council Sorority Nominees
Kallie Worrell, representing Alpha Delta Pi
Claire O’Connor, representing Zeta Tau Alpha
Emma Copley, representing Alpha Omicron Pi
Aubrey Hubbard, representing Chi Omega
Reese Manning, representing Sigma Alpha
Sororities running for homecoming queen hosted booths in the University Center the weeks before homecoming elections. Pacer Staff had an opportunity to speak with Emma Copley, a UT Martin senior representing her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi.
When asked why she was running, Copley stated, “I hadn’t really thought about running until my sisters encouraged me to go for it… My sisters really pushed and inspired me, and I love UTM. I love the community and would love to represent the community because they’ve given so much to me, and I want to be able to give so much back to them.”
Emma Copley standing in front of Alpha Omega Pi booth for 2023-24 court nominations | Photo Credit / Isabella Beyl
Copley’s theme for her homecoming campaign is sunshine. “My slogan is, ‘Bright like the Sun, Emma’s the one!'” When asked why she chose to utilize this theme for her campaign, Copley responded, “I just want to be a light on campus [and people] to see a light around me!”
“I just want to be a ray of sunshine for the students!” She beamed.
Student Organization Nominees
Tyler Swearengen, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., will be representing the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Shakeva Williams, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will be representing the Black Student Association. Swearengen is a senior human health and performance major, and Williams is a junior exercise science and wellness major.
A 90’s themed nomination poster for Shakeva Williams (left) and Tyler Swearengen (right) | Photo Credit / Black Student Association
Williams is involved with Army ROTC on campus, vice president of Under The Influence: Fashion Society and a pep leader.
Swearengen is a member of the UT Martin Wildlife Society, The Pacer student news organization and SHAPE Club.
Another organization running is the American Criminal Justice Association. Serenity Cook will be representing ACJA: Zeta Epsilon Nu for homecoming queen.
Finally, Jesse Chamberlain will be representing the student athlete advisory committee. He will be running for homecoming king.
Interfraternity Council Nominees
The chapters at UT Martin were represented by the following students:
Grant Ream, representing Kappa Alpha Order
Jacob Whitehurst, representing Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Nick Williamson, representing Pi Kappa Alpha
Taylor Carroll, representing Sigma Chi.
For updates on this story, please visit thepacer.net for more information.
