Serving as a voice of students on campus, College of the Mainland Student Government Association president Carlos Torres is now leading the region.

Torres, 21, of Bacliff, has been voted Student Government Association (SGA) president of Region 5, the largest region in the state.

Majoring in business while serving as a San Leon firefighter, Torres became president of COM SGA in 2014.

“We represent students. We talk about problems students face,” said Torres. “We’re trying to get students more aware of local government.”

The group recently hosted a discussion between Alan Waters and George Warren, candidates for the COM board of trustee district 2 position. It also oversees student clubs and may assist with events on campus.

In his expanded role as region president, Torres plans to pass on the leadership lessons he has learned - SGA officers are community college students and often new each year.

“We want to focus on the continuing of mentoring new officers. We want to set a foundation,” explained Torres. “We definitely want to incorporate some kind of retreat for old officers and new officers.”

Torres was elected at the recent state SGA conference.

“Winning president of the region is an accomplishment,” said COM SGA advisor Sean Skipworth, who automatically became region advisor when Torres won. “The duties of the region president include setting the region’s agenda and overseeing meetings.”

The COM SGA gives students avenues to share feedback on campus life, learn about the democratic process, and take advantage of leadership and service opportunities.

For more information on the COM SGA, visit www.com.edu/clubs or email sskipworth@com.edu.