Elections

GSS Election Applications 2026-2027

The Graduate Student Senate’s annual election of officers (President and Vice President) will be held online from March 26, 2026, through April 1, 2026. This is an open call for candidates. These elected officers will serve a one-year term, June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027. The transfer of power will occur at the May senate session on May 5, 2026. The duties of both the President and Vice President are outlined in the GSS Bylaws (Article III).

 

GSS Election 2026-2027: Cast Your Vote

The time has come to select the next leaders of the Graduate Student Senate (GSS). Your vote is essential in choosing the President and Vice President who will represent the interests of all graduate and professional students at the University of Tennessee for the upcoming academic year. These elected officers will serve a one-year term from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.

Meet the Candidate(s): President

Name: Taylor Weber

Background: Taylor Weber is a Ph.D. student in Theory and Practice in Teacher Education at the University of Tennessee. She currently serves as the GSS Communications Director and as a Senator for her department, with a background that includes several years as a public school teacher and ELA Department Chair in Tennessee. At UT, Weber serves as a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, mentoring preservice teachers and collaborating on research focused on elementary education. Her contributions as an instructor and her commitment to graduate education were recognized with the 2025 GSS Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching. For the 2026–2027 election cycle, Taylor Weber is running uncontested for the position of GSS President.

Statement of Interest: “I am running for GSS President because UT has shaped so much of who I am, and I want to give back to the graduate student community that has been such an important part of my journey. Having earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees here and now pursuing my PhD, I have experienced this university through many seasons of student life. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the opportunities, challenges, and sense of belonging that can define a student’s time at UT. As a current GSS Executive Board member and Communications Director, I have seen how important it is for students to feel informed, supported, and represented, and I am eager to continue serving in a leadership role that allows me to advocate for graduate students more broadly.

My vision for GSS is an organization that is visible, accessible, and action-oriented. I want graduate students and senators alike to better understand what GSS is, how it serves them, and why their involvement matters. That means strengthening communication, increasing awareness of the resources, funding opportunities, and forms of advocacy GSS provides, and ensuring students feel connected to the work being done on their behalf. I also hope to foster stronger relationships across departments and with campus partners to support a stronger sense of community across the university.

Based on a perspective shaped by years of experience at UT, I aim to embody the volunteer spirit and am committed to leading with collaboration, consistency, and care.”

 

Meet the Candidate(s): Vice President

Name: Jeandré Joubert

Background:
Jeandré Joubert is a Master of Public Health student at the University of Tennessee, specializing in Health Policy and Management with a 4.0 GPA. Running uncontested for GSS Vice President, he currently serves as Interim Secretary and Legislative Steering Committee member, managing records and drafting policies for graduate student concerns. His advocacy extends to roles in the Office of Title IX and volunteering at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Previously, Jeandré was Valedictorian and Student Body President at Emmanuel University, where he championed mental health awareness and access.

Statement of Interest: “Coming to Tennessee from South Africa, I have learned firsthand how to find my footing in new places, juggle the demands of student life, and embrace the unknown. These journeys have not only broadened my outlook but also deepened my passion for uplifting others and championing student voices. In every position I take on, my purpose is clear: to make sure every graduate and professional student is heard, supported, and empowered to flourish at the University of Tennessee.

I am stepping forward as a candidate for Graduate Student Senate Vice President because I believe true leadership is rooted in service. Serving as Interim Secretary and on the Legislative Steering Committee has shown me the power of open communication, teamwork, and crafting policies that matter. My journey as a Lead Resident Assistant and SGA President has further shaped my ability to listen deeply, build connections, and champion the needs of our diverse campus community.

If given the honor to serve, I will work tirelessly to transform GSS into a vibrant hub for student advocacy, championing resources, strengthening our lines of communication, and opening doors to growth across every aspect of student life. My vision is a Senate that mirrors the rich diversity of our campus and values every voice, concern, and idea.

I would love to connect you, whether you want to brainstorm ideas, offer feedback, or simply share a coffee and conversation.

This mission drives me daily, in every role I embrace, and it would be a true privilege to serve as your next GSS Vice President.”

 

Voting Period

Online voting is open from Wednesday, March 25, 2026, through Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Voter Eligibility

All active graduate and professional students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are eligible to vote in this election. Your participation ensures that the GSS leadership reflects the diverse voices and needs of our student community.

How to Vote

Make your voice heard by casting your ballot for the candidates you believe will best serve our community. The process is simple and takes only a few moments.

 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE IN THE GSS ELECTION

 

Election Results

The formal announcement of the election results will be made by Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the election or voting procedures, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.

Contact us at: gss@utk.edu AND hhammoc1@utk.edu

 

This webpage was last updated on Thursday, March 26, 2026.