Forth Valley Student Association (FVSA) have announced their new part-time sabbatical officer role of President for 2025/26, and volunteering roles of Executive officers.
A total of 90 votes were cast for Martin Podhorsky as Student President who secured the post. In relation to the Executive Officers 130 votes were cast for Mamoun Ramadan as Diversity and Inclusion Officer, 112 votes were cast for Amy Muir as Education Officer and 131 votes were cast for Victoria Mielczarek as Welfare Officer.
Returning Officer Stephen Jarvie – who is the College’s Corporate Governance and Planning Officer – congratulated the winning students, as well as the FVSA, and FVC staff members, who helped to organise the election.
Also in the running for President was Edyta Musielak who put a great effort during the election, but narrowly missed out.
New President Martin Podhorsky (18) from Alva, who is studying for a HND Visual Communications, said: “I was honestly shocked to be elected, but I couldn’t be happier. It’s such an honour, and I’m really excited to get to work. I can’t wait to represent our students, listen to their voices, and make a real difference together.”
Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: "I would like to congratulate Martin on the election to President of the Forth Valley Student Association. I am really looking forward to working with him and Monika in the coming academic year and I am confident they will do a great job of representing the College's student body in the weeks and months ahead.”
The new Student President and Vice President Monika Smith (elected in June 2025) will work together in part-time roles alongside their studies, to represent the voice of students across Forth Valley College during the 2025-26 academic term. Executive officers will collaborate voluntarily with FVSA and the Presidents and Vice President.
Sarah Higgins-Rollo, Vice Principal Learning and Student Experience, said: “The FVSA plays a vital role in the work we do as a college. I look forward to collaborating with the team as we take on the important work ahead. The role has become increasingly significant in ensuring that students have a strong and meaningful voice in all aspects of our college community, while also providing support and guidance to fellow students who are engaged in this important work."
Rob McDermott, FVC's Head of Quality and Teaching, said: "Congratulations to new President Martin on securing his new role. As we move forward the building of strong partnerships between our students and the college is crucial. As part of this my team and I are here to support, mentor, and be a good friend along the way. At the end of the day, our job is to support you so you can do the very best you can. Working with the FVSA is always a real pleasure and seeing the student representatives develop throughout their time as officers is one of the many parts of my role that I value greatly.”
Kasia Slapek, FVSA Student Engagement Co-ordinator, said: “Congratulations to all candidates. Both sabbatical election and Executive officers election as always brings excitement, a feeling of challenge, all candidates dedicated themselves to comprehending the needs of students and crafting manifestos to address them. Their relentless campaign efforts, coupled with active engagement with the student body, reflect their commitment to securing votes. A warm welcome to Martin, Amy, Victorian and Mamoun as they joins our FVSA team.”
Lisa Baxter, FVC’s Student Association and University Partnership Manager, said: “We are delighted to announce Martin as our new Student President.
“It was great to see a competitive election; many thanks to all our candidates and students who registered their interest. The first meeting of FVSA’s Executive Committee will take place soon, and I’m sure our new Officers will be keen to deliver on their manifestos.
“A small number of Executive Officer posts are still available, so the team will deliver by-elections in Block 2 to cover those vacancies. Further information and updates will be announced in due course.”
For more information visit: https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/student-info/student-association
