This article was updated on Aug. 19
Davis Gustafson announced that he is stepping down from the role of executive vice president of the UAB Undergraduate Student Government (USGA) in a letter posted to the group’s Instagram Monday afternoon.
Gustafson cited his mental health and other responsibilities as reasons for his decision.
“In light of recent family issues and other commitments, I have made the realization that I will not be able to give my all to this role for the upcoming year and need to prioritize my mental health,” Gustafson wrote in the letter.
Gustafson was narrowly elected to the position in March 2021, winning 51.49% of the vote over Abhishek Kamath, the running mate of President Angela Lee.
USGA president Angela Lee commended Gustafson for his strength in making in the decision in a comment on the post.
“This decision was difficult to make, but Davis is strong in choosing to prioritize himself! Thank you for being vulnerable (it’s not easy) — we’ll be thinking of you,” Lee wrote.
The group announced a new executive vice president will be appointed according to the rules laid out in Section III of the USGA constitution. No timeline is yet available for that appointment.
Updated Aug. 19
The USGA laid out the process for replacing Gustafson in an Instagram infographic Thursday afternoon.
In the process, a candidate has been by the USGA Advisor and Assistant Vice President of Student Experience and upon receiving 2/3 approval of the Senate will become the next USGA executive vice president.
Michayala Jeremiah, former vice chairperson of the senate, has been chosen as that candidate. Jeremiah is the lead event coordinator for the Blazer Spirit Council, a ballroom dance coordinator and a member of the First Impact Program. She represented the School of Nursing during the 2020-21 academic year, but lost reelection in March.
Jeremiah will present herself to the student body and answer questions in a Zoom session at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 24. Senators, Council members, staff advisors and selects invited campus leaders will provide input on her selection from Aug. 25 to 26. And a special session of the USGA Senate will be held to vote on her appointment on Aug 31 at 7:30 p.m.
