Savannah Putnam ’19 on being student body president

One of Savannah Putnam’s ’19 most cherished Carolina memories thus far came during the Franklin Street celebration of the 2017 NCAA championship in men’s basketball.

“I had the privilege of helping an older alumna fulfill her dream of jumping over the fire to celebrate our achievement,” she said. “To see the passion for Carolina that she still held so deeply was so powerful and inspiring. I hope to one day be that alumna with that same passion and dedication.”

As Carolina’s newly installed student body president, she is well on her way.

A native of Morganton, North Carolina, Putnam has always had Carolina on her mind. “I’ve always been a Tar Heel, and I’ve been passionate about getting involved on campus since my freshman year,” she said. “From my initial experience as part of our first-year focus council, then leading that council, to sitting in on numerous campus administrative boards and finally to the president’s suite, I’ve been working to be a force for positive change here because I treasure this place and its people.”

Putnam’s campaign platform focused on the concepts of feasibility and attainability around three primary planks: mental health services and support, first-generation student mentorship and resources, and increasing student government transparency and engagement. “Not only are these areas personal passions for me, they’re important issues I feel we can make significant progress on in the short year of our administration,” Putnam said. “There are so many exciting ideas out there; we want to be focused and realistic in our efforts and goals. We want to leave our University better than when we found it and lay a strong foundation for the next administration as well.”

Putnam said she’s been fortunate to benefit from terrific mentors and the wise counsel of her fellow student government staffers. “[Outgoing SBP] Elizabeth Adkins ’18 has been a fantastic example and a great mentor for me in preparing for this role,” Putnam said. “I also have a great team around me who not only encourages me but also keeps me grounded. We’re excited to get going.”

Putnam’s personal goals align with her vision for her year as SPB, particularly when it comes to service. She is double majoring in political science and communications, with law school aspirations. Ultimately, Putnam aims to focus on nonprofit law and organizational ethics to serve marginalized communities. “Education creates opportunities, elevates communities and changes lives,” she said. “That’s what I came to Carolina to do, and what I hope to do after graduation.”

Student government is not the only place Putnam is leaving her mark. She is a member of Alpha Chi Omega and a Buckley Public Service Scholar. She studied abroad in Copenhagen, Budapest and Prague, and worked as a student office assistant in the football office and as a data analyst in the School of Government. She has also taught yoga to the groundskeepers and captained a two-time champion flag football team.

“I’ve had so many incredible experiences as a Tar Heel, and I know my time as student body president will be one of my most challenging and rewarding endeavors,” she said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”