Paul PeEric Hall ’25, a double major in economics and philosophy with a minor in neuroscience, was elected as Chapman University’s new Student Government Association (SGA) president. Hall is a dedicated advocate for student organizations, having served in various organizations since his arrival on campus.
“I started off in the Economics Society, the Chess Club and Kappa Alpha Pi, the pre-law professional fraternity,” said Hall. “Through these experiences, I learned more about SGA and wanted to get involved.”
In his sophomore year, Hall was elected as the Academic Student Organizations senator during a special election. He was reelected in the following general election and served as chair of the University and Academic Affairs committee during his junior year.
“My journey has been about bridging the gap between SGA and student organizations,” Hall explained. “I really believe that at the heart of it, we’re all just students here wanting the best for this campus. I want to shift that institutional relationship from adversarial to supportive.”
Hall aims to address the lack of meeting spaces for the university’s more than 200 student organizations. “I can’t count the number of meetings I’ve had to hold in QDOBA,” said Hall, referring to a restaurant in the student center. “I want to find better solutions for our organizations.”
In addition to tackling space issues, Hall plans to enhance SGA’s presence on campus, noting that many students remain unaware of how SGA can assist them. “I want to make SGA more accessible and approachable. We can help every student here, and I want to ensure they know how.”
Despite the challenges ahead, Hall remains optimistic. He plans to launch a new feedback initiative called “We’re All Ears!” to encourage direct communication between students and SGA.
One initiative Hall is excited to continue is the development of a Free Food Alert App, which his predecessor, Rachel Berns ’24, led. “It’s a brilliant way to help students and reduce food waste at the same time,” added Hall.
“Changing perceptions takes hard work, but I believe we can make SGA more accessible,” said Hall. “I hope to leave a legacy that will be useful for those who come after me.”
Outside of his SGA responsibilities, Hall enjoys exploring leadership styles through his involvement in other student organizations. He also encourages students to get involved, emphasizing that four years at university pass quickly.
For those interested in connecting with Hall or getting involved with SGA, he encourages them to reach out via email at sga@chapman.edu, follow SGA on Instagram @chapmansga or attend open meetings every Friday from 1-3 p.m in the Argyros Forum 212 boardroom.
