Meet the SGA Prez: Tanli Carlton ’26

Pickleball enthusiast, singer, nursing major – and now Student Government Association (SGA) president at Lenoir-Rhyne University. For Tanli Carlton ’26, leadership is about building relationships and making sure every voice is heard. A Lenoir, North Carolina, native, she grew up near LR and already knew the university’s strong reputation for nursing when she started college at UNC Charlotte. Transferring to LR gave her the program she wanted along with the close-knit atmosphere and personal connections that made her feel at home. Now, as SGA president, Carlton is eager to bring that same sense of connection to her peers and to share what she hopes the year ahead will hold.

Q: What is your go-to order at Joe’s Coffee?
Iced chai and a cheese danish.

Q: When and how did you get involved with student government? 
My junior year at Lenoir-Rhyne, I began my journey with SGA. I had a friend who was in SGA and told me about it, which is what led me to join, and I started out serving as chief justice and parliamentarian.

Q: Was the SGA presidency always a goal for you or did you have to be talked into running for the job? 
The presidency wasn’t always a set goal for me, but I knew I wanted to serve in leadership and create positive change on campus. As chief justice, I worked closely with the previous president, Isaac Riggs ’25. I learned how much I enjoyed advocating for students and helping shape campus life. As I grew more confident in my ability to advocate for students and saw the impact we could make, I realized the presidency was exactly where I needed to be.

Q: What is one goal you have for your presidency?
My most important goal is to strengthen communication and connection between SGA and the student body. Too often, students feel like their voices don’t carry weight or that decisions are being made without them. I want to change that, to create intentional spaces where students can discuss what they need from LR – whether that’s through open forums, surveys or casual conversations. Then I want them to see the results of their feedback. It’s not just about collecting opinions; it’s about showing students that their voices directly influence what we do. If we can make students feel heard, valued and represented, then I’ll know we’ve moved SGA in the right direction.

Q: Why is student government an important part of campus life?
Student government gives students a seat at the table. We’re the link between students and administration, making sure institutional decisions reflect the student experience. At its core, student government helps us make campus feel like home – a place where we all feel supported, engaged and invested – not just a place where we go to class.

Beyond advocacy, I think SGA is important because it builds community. It gives students a chance to connect with one another, get involved in leadership and create experiences that make college memorable. For many students, SGA is also a starting point for discovering their own leadership potential. It provides opportunities to grow, build confidence and learn how to work with others toward a shared purpose – and those are characteristics that contribute to career success and a more fulfilled life after college.

Q: What is one way students can get more involved with student government even if they don’t have time to hold an office?
There are so many ways to be part of SGA without holding an official position. Any student is welcome to listen, share ideas or bring concerns directly to the board at our public meetings. Clubs and organizations can also reach out to SGA for funding, which is a great way to collaborate with us and support campus activities.

Voting in elections is a powerful way to make your voice count, and you can also get involved by filling out feedback surveys or joining a committee for a short-term project. Even sharing your thoughts with an SGA member can make a difference because every little action matters. You don’t need a title to make an impact; sometimes the smallest contributions spark the biggest changes.

Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at LR so far?
My favorite memory at LR so far is the 2025 Student Life Awards. I won 3 awards, and it was an incredibly special moment for me.

Q: If you could have a lifetime supply of anything, what would it be? 
I would have a lifetime supply of orange juice or oranges. I love orange juice, and the prices have gone up, so if I could have an orange tree that endlessly supplies oranges that would be great.

Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? 
My superpower would be teleportation, so I could be all the places I need to be quickly.

Q: Do you have a secret talent? What is it? 
I have been singing since I was 5 years old. I grew up singing with my mom and I now sing in the choir at my church.

Q: What is the most used app on your phone? 
The most used app on my phone is the camera.

Q: What is your favorite song right now? 
“Fruit Takes Time” by Chelsea Plank and SEU Worship

Q: What cartoon character would you like to be best friends with and why? 
The Lizzie McGuire cartoon character – I always loved the show and wanted my own little character of myself.  

Q: What is a book you’ve read recently that you would recommend to other people? 
Funny enough, I have been reading the dictionary and highlighting/bookmarking words that I like or that are new to me. I also have the app on my phone, and it sends me the word of the day. I would recommend it to everyone just to increase their vocabulary.

Q: Does a bowl of cereal count as soup? 
No, I feel like you have to boil something for it to be soup

Q: Is there anything else you want people to be sure to know about you?
I am extremely friendly and approachable. Please do not hesitate to speak to me if you see me around campus!