Diversity and more public relations will be the main focus of the executive board of Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Academic Assembly in the 36th Congress.

Current Assembly Vice President of Operations Brad Hoagland was elected as the new president of the assembly at last night's meeting. Hoagland said one of his top priorities as the assembly president will be for the assembly to take a more active role in the issue of diversity by organizing a second diversity roundtable next year. He added that he would also like to strengthen the tie between the assembly and the USG multicultural affairs director.

Hoagland's other top priority will be to create a public relations position that would ensure the students are updated about any assembly initiatives. "I set up goals that I do believe in achieving -- they are not farfetched," he said.

Josh Hauenstein, representative for the College of Engineering, was also running for president of the assembly.

Current senator for the College of the Liberal Arts Ashley Harris was elected vice president of operations.

"I think there's so much we can do next year," Harris said. "I think the three people we've put in the executive board are going to do a great job."

Leslie Hubbard, representative for the Smeal College of Business, was elected vice president of programming. Current Vice President of Programming Tammy Rishel was also running for the position.

Hubbard said she was happy to get more involved with the assembly.

Current Assembly President Mark Levin said all candidates were capable for the job. "I'm happy we did have more than two people for two positions because it shows that people are interested in the leadership of the assembly," Levin said.

Hoagland has previously served as a representative for the Information Sciences and Technology, vice president of programming and vice president of operations. "My experience feels complete," Hoagland said. "We have a lot of good members coming back and we're going to have a good year."

The new leaders will assume their positions April 18.