John Ellis Kuykendall has decided to step down from his role as the elected vice president of finance for the Undergraduate Student Government Association. He attributed the reason for his decision to an error made on his behalf, which broke one of the USGA’s Code of Laws.
“At the request of a non-USGA administrator, I changed dates for finance and budget request-related events, inadvertently and accidentally breaking the code of laws and constitution that governs my office and the entire USGA,” said Kuykendall in a letter he posted to his Instagram, which is now private, on Sept. 5.
When asked about the incident, he explained in further detail that the USGA’s code of laws requires budget-information sessions and budget-request periods to be scheduled within four weeks of each other. However, he accidentally scheduled with only two weeks between them.
Kuykendall was elected vice president of finance back in April of this year.
The USGA executive council and chief justice posted a letter to their Instagram on Sept. 6, saying, “The USGA fully supports VPF Kuykendall’s decision and wishes him well. We acknowledge the vital position of the vice president of finance and are beginning an appointment process for his successor.”
It was also mentioned in their letter that the USGA has established a committee to assist with financial relations until another vice president of finance is appointed.
As for Kuykendall, he stated further in his letter, “I believe that the USGA can truly change the student experience at UAB, and I know the current members will continue to do so. I am excited to continue watching the progress be made, albeit from the sidelines.”
Sarah Tran, chief of staff of the executive council, will be the contact for all financial concerns regarding the USGA until further notice. Students may contact her at smvtran@uab.edu.
