Adam Wilkes, the Binghamton University Student Association (SA) vice president for academic affairs (VPAA), resigned from his position on Monday night.

Wilkes, a junior double-majoring in economics and sociology, was elected in March for the 2016-17 academic year. In his letter of resignation, Wilkes said that he is stepping down in order to prioritize his well-being.

“It would not be fair to myself to continue to be the VPAA if I don’t tend to my own wellness,” Wilkes wrote in his letter of resignation. “It’s also not fair to the student body. Right now, I need to discover new things in my life to find happiness.”

Nicholas Ferrara, the SA president and a senior majoring in political science, said that Wilkes will be missed.

“Adam [Wilkes] has been an incredible addition to the executive board, and we are all sad to see him go,” Ferrara said.

Ferrara said he plans to appoint an interim VPAA, who will be confirmed at a special meeting of Student Congress on Thursday night, and a special election will be held to elect a formal replacement before the end of the semester.

Students interested in running for VPAA must submit a letter of intent with 100 undergraduate student signatures to the SA Planning, Research and Elections Committee by Monday, Nov. 21. This deadline is also subject to approval by Student Congress this Thursday.

As the SA transitions, Wilkes said he will remain present to help out as needed. Additionally, he said he plans to continue his work as an SA advocate and a member of the Road Map renewal task force.

“I will make myself available to any future vice presidents for academic affairs for counsel, and always recommend that they do what’s right and what they think will grow the organization,” Wilkes said.

Wilkes also said that he intends to continue his involvement in social activism efforts.

“I’m confident leadership is still in my future,” Wilkes wrote. “But there are personal hurdles that must be addressed first, and cannot be addressed if I’m the VPAA right now. Once they are, I’ll be reaching for the real levers of power to make change, and anyone who wants to make our social structure equitable and sustainable is welcome to join me.”

Wilkes said that by “real levers,” he means he intends to continue a future of public service and elected office after graduating from the University. He also said that while in office he aimed to prioritize hands-on and nontraditional learning that transcended a lecture setting and that he hopes these efforts continue.

“I worked hard to establish a place for the Student Association in the world of academia,” Wilkes said. “My Purpose of Education legislation was meant for the SA to promote the notion that academic life at Binghamton University should support student development and identity development, not simply regurgitation of facts learned in the classroom.”

Stressing a culture of activism, Wilkes also said that SA leaders should focus on gaining visibility on University committees and councils and keep communication open with the administration. According to him, the SA E-Board is more than equipped to advocate for the student body.

“There are incredible people in this organization, and I have no doubt that it will grow,” Wilkes said. “Me leaving is what I have to do so I can grow as well.”