2025-2026 GSA Election: Meet the Candidates

The countdown is on for the 2025-2026 Graduate Student Association (GSA) election at UCF, and the candidates are ready to introduce themselves! Representing a variety of academic disciplines, these individuals are competing for leadership roles, including president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary, positions that represent and serve the graduate student community.

Now is the perfect time to learn about the candidates and their visions for the future of the UCF graduate community. Make sure to take some time to learn about those running for office. Voting will open March 31 – April 2.

Check your UCF email for the voting link, or you can follow the College of Graduate Studies social media for updates. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the change!

Presidential Candidates

Christopher Bellingham

As a doctoral student in Public Affairs and the current president of the Public Affairs PhD student organization, I understand the importance of connecting graduate students to meaningful resources, representation, and leadership opportunities. My platform is centered on transparency, advocacy, and collaboration. I aim to elevate the visibility of graduate student concerns within university decision-making, improve communication between programs, and create opportunities for professional development and community-building across disciplines.

I bring over a decade of leadership experience, including time as a campaign manager, executive director, and U.S. Army combat medic. At UCF, I’ve served as a Graduate Teaching Associate, coordinated student partnerships with FEMA and county leadership, and represented student voices through multiple initiatives. I believe the Graduate Student Association can be a powerful platform for advancing student well-being and equity — and I’m committed to ensuring that all students feel seen, heard, and supported.

Madison Goran

As a graduate student in Counselor Education, my passion lies in advocating for others and building spaces where people feel seen, supported, and heard. Through my involvement as the sole graduate student representative on the Program Review and Awards Committee, I have worked directly with the deans of all academic colleges to evaluate programs and offer student-centered feedback.

I currently serve as the Program Coordinator for the Knight Research Scholars Program, where I have launched a new research initiative by designing its infrastructure, coordinating across offices, and creating spaces for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduate students to thrive together. I also support operations at the Graduate Student Center (GSC), where I help create an inclusive environment all graduate students. Working at the GSC has connected me with College of Graduate Studies faculty and given me a deeper understanding of student engagement. I have helped support events that foster professional development, celebrate student success, and create space for social connection.

I am running for GSA President because I care deeply about the student experience and believe GSA should be a place where advocacy meets action. I want to build stronger connections between GSA and the graduate student population at UCF. I aim to increase access to resources and development opportunities and ensure graduate students feel like their voice genuinely matters. I lead with empathy, consistency, and amiability. Every experience I have had so far has deepened my commitment to making graduate student life more connected, supported, and fulfilling.

Vice Presidential Candidate

Manisha Thenuwara

I am Manisha, a third-year doctoral student in Civil Engineering. I earned my master’s degree in water resources engineering at UCF last year. Before graduate school, I worked in the construction industry, managing various infrastructure projects. This experience strengthened my leadership, resource management, and communication skills, qualities essential for effectively advocating on behalf of graduate students.

Graduate students at UCF play a vital role in research and innovation, yet our voices are often not strongly represented within the university. Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) play a crucial role in supporting academic and research activities, and it is important to ensure their concerns are acknowledged and addressed as well. I believe the Graduate Student Association (GSA) must become a stronger advocate for students’ academic, professional, and financial needs.

My vision is to strengthen GSA as an inclusive and proactive organization that represents the needs of graduate students. I will work to enhance communication between students and university leadership, ensuring that our concerns are heard and addressed.

Treasurer Candidates

Christopher Bellingham

As a doctoral student in Public Affairs and the current president of the Public Affairs PhD student organization, I understand the importance of connecting graduate students to meaningful resources, representation, and leadership opportunities. My platform is centered on transparency, advocacy, and collaboration. I aim to elevate the visibility of graduate student concerns within university decision-making, improve communication between programs, and create opportunities for professional development and community-building across disciplines.

I bring over a decade of leadership experience, including time as a campaign manager, executive director, and U.S. Army combat medic. At UCF, I’ve served as a Graduate Teaching Associate, coordinated student partnerships with FEMA and county leadership, and represented student voices through multiple initiatives. I believe the Graduate Student Association can be a powerful platform for advancing student well-being and equity — and I’m committed to ensuring that all students feel seen, heard, and supported.

Courtney Dunn

My name is Courtney Dunn and I am running for the position of Treasurer in the Graduate Student Association. A little bit about me, I am currently pursuing my MA in Counselor Education in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track. I previously graduated from UCF with my BS in Psychology in the Clinical track with two minors in Human Services and Criminal Justice. I have held several positions across UCF, including being the Laboratory Manager for a psychology research laboratory and a Student Academic Advisor for the UCF College of Sciences. Outside of UCF, I like to spend my time giving back to my community. Specifically, I volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans organization to help veterans in need access government benefits and succeed in life after service. 

As a member of the GSA Executive Board, I would prioritize collaboration with my fellow board members to organize quality events and activities for UCF’s graduate students to enjoy. Graduate school is all about connections, and what better way to connect than at a GSA event? However, nothing happens when we work alone, so it is important to me that there be consistent communication between not only the Executive Board but also the general student body. If elected, I would ensure that clear communication is maintained so that all graduate students are aware of their opportunities for involvement and that any information shared by GSA is accurate.

Secretary Candidates

Courtney Dunn

My name is Courtney Dunn and I am running for the position of Treasurer in the Graduate Student Association. A little bit about me, I am currently pursuing my MA in Counselor Education in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track. I previously graduated from UCF with my BS in Psychology in the Clinical track with two minors in Human Services and Criminal Justice. I have held several positions across UCF, including being the Laboratory Manager for a psychology research laboratory and a Student Academic Advisor for the UCF College of Sciences. Outside of UCF, I like to spend my time giving back to my community. Specifically, I volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans organization to help veterans in need access government benefits and succeed in life after service. 

As a member of the GSA Executive Board, I would prioritize collaboration with my fellow board members to organize quality events and activities for UCF’s graduate students to enjoy. Graduate school is all about connections, and what better way to connect than at a GSA event? However, nothing happens when we work alone, so it is important to me that there be consistent communication between not only the Executive Board but also the general student body. If elected, I would ensure that clear communication is maintained so that all graduate students are aware of their opportunities for involvement and that any information shared by GSA is accurate.

Tealiyah Pierce

I am Tealiyah Pierce a graduate student in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University
of Central Florida with a passion for organization, leadership, and community engagement. I am thrilled to submit my application for the position of Secretary with the Graduate Student Association. I am confident that my organizational abilities, attention to detail, and dedication to
effective communication will be valuable assets to this role. If elected, I will:

• Maintain precise and timely meeting minutes to keep each member informed
• Ensure important updates are shared efficiently
• Organize and manage records to enhance transparency and accessibility
• Support leadership in planning and executing initiatives that align with the goals of the Graduate Student Association

I am deeply committed to advocating for the graduate students’ needs and fostering a sense of
community. I believe that having a student of and for the people is essential and am looking
forward to the opportunity to be just that. I desire to serve and contribute to the continued growth
of this organization.