Associated Student Government is proud to announce the selection of the 2013-14 Fresh HOGS. After a rigorous application and interview process, 40 freshmen were chosen for the program. These students will be sworn-in alongside new ASG senators and cabinet members at the ASG Swearing-In Ceremony at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the Graduate Education Auditorium.

Fresh HOGS, or "Freshmen Helping Our Government Succeed", is the premier leadership development program at the University of Arkansas. The program is a year-long, comprehensive leadership and personal development program designed to integrate and introduce first-year students to ASG and the shared governance process at the University of Arkansas.

"Nothing is as encouraging for the Associated Student Government and the University of Arkansas than seeing incoming student leaders and their dedication to leaving a lasting impact on our campus," ASG President Bo Renner said. "I am excited about the future of this institution because of these young leaders and cannot wait to see their ideas for making the You of A the best place it can be for students."

This year's Fresh HOGS feature 40 students studying in each of the six undergraduate colleges within the university, and coming from seven states across the country. The group represents some of the top academic talent at the University, as well as students who have a long history of involvement and leadership.

"The Fresh HOGS that were selected this year are incredible," Hallie Waddell, ASG Fresh HOGS coordinator, said. "The group is very passionate about serving students, faculty, and the University of Arkansas as a whole. I have no doubt in the potential of each one of these students, and can confidently say it will be a great year."

Having gone through an extensive application process, which included interviews with ASG Leadership and the Fresh HOGS coordinating staff, candidates were selected based on their leadership potential, involvement, and understanding of the shared governance process at the University of Arkansas. Under Article IV of the ASG Constitution, which is new this year, only 40 candidates could be selected for Fresh HOGS. 

"This year's Fresh HOGS candidates went through the most rigorous selection process the program has ever used," said David Wright, graduate assistant for ASG. "The applicant pool was incredibly talented, and very deserving of being selected. We are confident this group of Fresh HOGS will strengthen the program for the future and go on to become leaders for their fellow students."

Fresh HOGS participate in Senate and elections simulations, meet with university officials, serve office hours in the ASG offices, sit on various committees, learn about leadership, and gain the necessary skills and tools to be future student leaders.

ASG congratulates the 2013-14 Fresh HOGS:

• Hannah Andrews – Niceville, Fla.
• Hannah Bell – Mena, Ark.
• Gabby Bermea – Wake Village, Texas
• Abby Brazeal – Lewisville, Texas
• Cailley Brumley – Lee's Summit, Mo.
• Stephanie Burson – Plano, Texas
• Bradey Chambers – Cabot, Ark.
• Shelby Cormack – Van Buren, Ark.
• Brandon Downer – Austin, Texas
• Taylor Farr – Proctor, Ark.
• Stephanie Fielder – Springfield, Mo.
• Alex Flemister – Little Rock, Ark.
• Connor Flocks – Fort Smith, Ark.
• Sam Goll – Fayetteville, Ark.
• Tyler Goolsby – Edmond, Okla.
• Brianna Graham – Lowell, Ark.
• Maggie Hales – Grand Prairie, Texas
• Ellen Hotzel – Shawnee, Kansas
• Kal Howard – Lewisville, Texas
• Brock Hyland – Crawford, Texas
• Grant James – Cypress, Texas
• Maddie Kemper – Nixa, Mo.
• Ben Liter – Houston, Texas
• Emily McComas – Fayetteville, Ark.
• Peyton McEwen – Little Rock, Ark.
• Megan McMahen – Taylor, Ark.
• Noah Miller – Cypress, Texas
• Susannah Mitcham – West University, Texas
• Jace Motley – Conway, Ark.
• Bridget O'Shaughnessy – Kansas City, Mo.
• Emily Olander – Springfield, Mo.
• Paige Ooton – Plano, Texas
• Cassie Pilawski – McKinney, Texas
• Thomas Selig – Hot Springs, Ark.
• Savannah Skidmore – Calico Rock, Ark.
• Candice Soriano – Rockwall, Texas
• Nick Stauffer – Lenexa, Kansas
• Taylor Steen – Shawnee, Kansas
• Blaire Waddell – Windsor, Colo.
• Jessa Wilson – Conway, Ark.

For any questions about the Fresh HOGS program, please contact Hallie Waddell, ASG Fresh HOGS Coordinator, fhasg@uark.edu.