Student Senate on Wednesday lost an executive vice president, elected a new speaker and seated 14 senate members.

Adam Howell submitted his resignation from the office of student executive vice president effective Wednesday. He will maintain his position as student representative to the Board of Trustees until the end of his regular term, June 30.

Howell was then elected to the position of speaker with 12 of 22 votes, defeating two additional candidates.

A constitutional issue brought up at senate’s last meeting raised a question about whether current executive board members are able to run for the speaker position.

“(According to bylaws) the only way that a previous executive could become a senator is to resign,” said Ryan Berger, student body president-elect and former speaker.

Bylaws further explain that anyone running for the speaker position must be sworn in as a senate member.

“(Howell has a) special ability to recognize and help foster leadership in others,” said senate member Jill David, who spoke on behalf of Howell during the election process. “Because he’s so dedicated, he could be a voice for everyone.”

Howell said he is honored to be elected and wants to give back to Student Government by improving senate internally and working with new members to increase the retention rate and encouraging more fellowship within the group to better reach out to students.

“I want to see senators that not only do their jobs, but who like their jobs,” Howell said.

Regarding his resignation and bylaw requirement, Howell said he plans to look into the issue further so the situation does not come up in future senates.

“This is a situation that no one had prepared for,” Howell said.

Dirk Muffler, student vice president for Academic Affairs, will be sworn in as an at-large senate member next semester after his current term has ended.

Berger said he enjoyed serving as speaker, but is happy to move on.

“I’ve got a new flame in Student Government,” Berger said.

Berger added he is glad to pass the position to Howell and said next semester “is going to be awesome.”