Josiah Gearhart and Julia Probus have been elected as the 2026-27 Student Leadership Council student body presidents.

Josiah is a 6’ 9’’ junior biblical studies major originally from Michigan. Julia is a senior double major in music and multimedia

journalism from Missouri. She is the second of ten siblings.

As student body presidents, Josiah and Julia will be responsible for overseeing the SLC. The presidents are also key in selecting the student body theme.

The SLC elections are held in the spring semester of each year. The process begins with a list of eligible students created by the Center for Leadership Development in March. This list consists of students who served as a society big three officer, presidents and vice presidents of student organizations and associations, or on the SLC or Inter-Society Council Executive Committee within the last two years. The list is then sent to current leaders for nominations.  

The top nominees attend a one-on-one meeting with either Mr. Aaron Burk, CLD director, or Miss Autumn Ware, the CLD coordinator, and determine whether to accept or decline their nominations. The final ballot is then emailed to the student body. The popular vote elects the SLC presidents, ISC directors and senior class representatives. The presidents then begin choosing the rest of their council. 

 Miss Ware emphasized the importance of these positions.

“It’s a really cool opportunity to serve and bring glory to God while you’re doing it,” Ware said.

Julia described her role as “representing the student body to the leadership and also representing the administration to the student body.”  

Julia was interested in pursuing student body president since childhood. Josiah was encouraged by his mother to pursue this position, even after first considering running for ISC director. 

“God’s not going to put me in a place where I’m unable to do what he wants me to do,” Josiah said. 

Josiah plans to emphasize ministry as president. “My heart is to encourage students to be involved in the local church and consider going somewhere where the gospel is not shared,” said Josiah.  

 Julia is passionate about building relationships within the SLC and improving communication.

“I’m excited to get to be with people in a meaningful way,” Julia said. 

Both desire to protect the student body against spiritual apathy and plan to lead by example.

The elected ISC directors are Ien Santiago and Lauren Elwart. Ien, from Greenville, is a sophomore double major in business as well as ministry and leadership. Lauren is a junior photography and business double major from Michigan. The ISCEC is a team of the SLC. that oversees society officers and events, specifically Rush, Induction and Turkey Fest.

Lauren is especially excited about Turkey Fest.

“Expect big things from Turkey Fest next year,” Lauren said.   

Both Ien and Lauren were motivated to run by their love for society and service. Like Julia, they hope to improve communication and inspire involvement from the student body.  Ien said he is passionate about emphasizing servant leadership and unity.

“If we’re going to get anything done, we have to be unified and have a single goal,” Ien said. 

The SLC represents the voice of the student body. These four elected officers are committed to cultivating a loving community where Christ is served and shared with others.