Brent Cerney elected 2026-27 student body president for FSU PC
Former Student Government Council representative Brent Cerney will serve as the 2026-2027 student body president for FSU Panama City.
A 20-year-old computer science major originally from Dayton, Ohio, Cerney is in his senior year and expects to graduate in 2027. He was elected as an SGC representative in February 2025.
With current SGC President Krieg Conrad graduating in May, Cerney threw his hat into the campaign, defeating Andrew Turner for the seat with a victory of 96 votes out of 191 students who voted. His platform relied heavily on empathy and ensuring that the council heard the needs of his fellow students.
“One moment that stood out was when students started approaching me first, whether to share their ideas or concerns, or simply just to encourage me,” Cerney said in a discussion of his campaign. “That is when I realized the campaign had become bigger than just me.”
It wasn’t uncommon to see Cerney running around campus and polling every student he saw about what mattered to them. Voting ran for three days, March 11-13, with voters choosing between two presidential candidates and four potential SGC representatives. The three SGC candidates elected to hold seats were Andrew Turner, Addison Miller and David Quimby.
Cerney also was recently honored with the Prime Example Student Leader of the Year award from the FSU Department of Student Engagement in Tallahassee. Fellow nominees were Krieg Conrad, Jennifer Giraldo and Alyssa Howell. This award is given to an up-and-coming leader who demonstrates impact in the FSU community, possesses characteristics for future leadership success, and is recognized as a role model.
OPEN COMMUNICATION
Turner approached his campaign with enthusiasm and concrete goals on issues he has seen on campus. Cerney took an approach that focused on the importance of clear communication between the student body and SGC. Cerney said students need a stronger, more consistent connection with the administration.
“A lot of students have ideas or concerns, but they don’t always feel heard or don’t know where to go,” he said. “That is where my focus on student voice, advocacy and action comes in. I want to create more accessible ways for students to share feedback and then actually follow through on those concerns. It is not just about listening, it’s about making sure students can see real results from speaking up.”
He added that FSU Panama City should be applauded for maintaining a keen sense of community: “Because of the campus size, students aren’t just numbers. They’re recognized, supported and able to build real connections with faculty and staff. That environment makes it easier to collaborate and make meaningful change, and is something that sets this campus apart.”
Cerney said he is excited to turn student feedback into visible change.
“I want students to feel like their voices lead to real outcomes,” he said. “My goal is that by the end of my term, students won’t just feel heard. Rather, they will feel empowered and see the impact of their involvement.”
Any student with questions or concerns may reach out to Cerney directly at bcerney@fsu.edu.