Joe Robbins was elected the Student Senate’s new speaker for next year Wednesday night during the Student Senate meeting.

Robbins, a junior political science major and the sole nominee for the position, won by a overwhelming 19-0-1 vote.

As speaker, Robbins will preside over senate meetings, appoint senate committee chairs and work with members of Student Government and the administration on student issues, among other tasks.

Robbins said he was overwhelmed, privileged and honored to be elected speaker.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to serve the students in this capacity,” he said.

As speaker, Robbins said he will work on many issues, including combating student apathy and allowing students to vote in Student Government elections online.

Robbins also said he hopes to continue the work of outgoing Senate Speaker Adam Weyhaupt.

“Adam has done an incredible job and I hope to continue on the progress and accomplishments that he has had,” he said.

Earlier, Weyhaupt endorsed Robbins for president.

“Joe is the one and only,” Weyhaupt said.

Several senate members spoke in support of Robbins.

“I’m very proud of our new speaker,” said senate member Nick Skipitaris. “I think he will do a fabulous job.”

Tim Edwards was the lone senate member to abstain in the vote.

“I wasn’t sure if he was the right person for the job,” Edwards said.

Edwards said that although he had nothing against Robbins, he was apprehensive about having only one nominee for the position.