A King was crowned president at last night's Undergraduate Student Government Senate meeting.

In an intensely debated session the USG Senate elected a familiar face -- fraternity Senator Mike King -- as senate president.

King said in his address he had a vision for the new USG Senate.

"I envision a senate that makes a difference," King said, "One that earns and deserves the respect of the student body."

King's opponents were town Senators Marc Van Camp and Brian McFeeley. Van Camp and King were involved in a runoff election.

King said his main goal is to empower every USG senator to act on his or her own. He added that he saw his position as one of a facilitator.

South Halls Senator Jitu Modi supported King because "he's done an excellent job getting others involved," but added both candidates in the runoff were competent.

Town Senator Paul Yacisin said he supported Van Camp because of his accomplishments and experience as Administrative Contact Committee chairman during the previous congress.

"Many good things in USG are due to Marc Van Camp," Yacisin said. "He changed ACC. He took it and ran with it."

But some senators supported King because they questioned whether Van Camp would be able to preside after December.

"I understand he won't be here past December," said town Senator Leo Filip, adding "He doesn't have the decision-making ability."

Although Van Camp could graduate in December, he said that he is pursuing a minor.

"I'm disappointed no one asked me on the floor," Van Camp said. "(Not to ask me) was kind of backhanded."

Town Senator Wendy Hurst said she hoped the new senators would not be affected by King's position in the senate transitioning process, which King helped organize and conduct.

King said the issue of transition was irrelevant, and was disappointed he wasn't asked before the discussion.

"It was something I was inspired to do after I became a senator my freshman year," King said. "No one told me anything (about the senate) and I thought that needed to be changed."