By Sophie Higby
On Tuesday, March 22, Samford University announced the next Student Government Association President and Vice President, the day after elections took place. The student body appointed sophomore Micaiah Collins and freshman James Jefferson, making them one of the youngest teams to be elected.
Though Collins is younger than most of the former presidents, he feels confident in his ability to effectively lead and believes his age puts him at an advantage to better connect with the students.
“It’s allowing me to be in a unique position where I’m not disconnected from campus,” Collins said. “A lot of upperclassmen tend to move off campus or get involved heavily with internships. So, being able to be a little bit closer to students, and still be in dorms, I think will be unique in forming my perspective for serving students.”
Collins’ ambitious spirit has him already making plans for the 2022-2023 school year, hoping to bridge the gap between the branches of SGA, as well as bring back the Samford events everyone knows and loves.
“I came in a COVID year. A lot of the Samford traditions and the reasons why a lot of people came to Samford — we didn’t get a chance to partake in those things. I think the biggest thing for me is making sure a lot of those traditions, where students fell in love with Samford — we’re able to bring them back and to look at ways to make them even better,” Collins said.
Like Collins, Jefferson is enthusiastic about continuing his future within SGA. Although he has only attended Samford for a few months, Jefferson has climbed the ladder quickly, serving as freshman class president and attending senate meetings.
“Honestly, it’s surreal. I am highly appreciative and I’m just excited to get to work,” he said.
Current SGA president Tyler Kendall, who ran on a campaign to increase communication, is graduating this spring.
“I first want to congratulate Micaiah Collins, James Jefferson, Andrew Mintz, and all of the other SGA election winners,” Kendall said. “Serving in SGA is such a unique opportunity and an honor to be able to represent you peers. I would also like to say thank you so much, Samford University, for allowing me to serve as your President this past year. It has been the honor of a lifetime and I thank God everyday for such a special and life-changing opportunity. I love this school, the students, and I will never forget the impact this place has had on me.”
Like Kendall, Jefferson and Collins plan to ensure student voices are elevated and increase the importance and significance that SGA plays on campus. The two encouraged students to pursue their gifts and passions, which are needed within the 200 positions in SGA.
“I feel like a lot of times students feel like SGA is only for a certain type of person, or a certain type of student, but truthfully, every student on campus has membership,” Collins said. “The moment they enroll they pay membership dues through their tuition and fees so making sure every student feels that, like they’re a part of SGA and that SGA is serving them.”
The students serving on Samford’s SGA are known for their passion and determination, and the expectations for next year are no less. Collins and Jefferson are ready to serve the student body with diligence and efficiency.
