By Caleb John
As your next Student Government Association (SGA) President, my hope for this year is to build an SGA as strong as the Samford students.
I based my campaign on the B.R.I.D.G.E. Strategic Plan: Build an SGA that Creates Change, Responds to Students Swiftly, Improves Service to Students and Organizations, Develops Servant Leaders, Glorifies God in All That SGA Does, and Establishes our Standard of Excellence.
At the core of this plan are three priorities: communication, community and change.
One of the most common concerns I’ve heard from students is a desire for more transparent communication between the administration, SGA and the student body.
I will work to ensure that we take your needs and desires seriously. Through town hall meetings, listening sessions and online SGA suggestion boxes, I’ll create streamlined channels for students to voice concerns and relay ideas directly to SGA representatives and ensure everyone stays informed about important decisions, events and changes taking place.
The student body has brilliant ideas, and SGA has an obligation to put hands and feet to those ideas. I will make the SGA newsletter more consistent, enhance our social media presence and publish an SGA Initiative Tracker on our website that will provide updates on our progress of planned initiatives for your benefit and on your behalf.
I will create an SGA that is more accessible, accountable and of genuine advocacy — that listens to students and then leads to real action toward getting things done.
Community is essential to what makes Samford unique. As a second-generation immigrant, transfer student and former student-athlete, I believe every student should feel like they belong.
I will work tirelessly to create spaces where everyone can find their community, where students from all walks of life can come together, celebrate what makes us unique and build a stronger sense of unity on campus.
I plan to produce positive, enduring change that refines and enhances the Samford student experience. While I have big plans, SGA cannot achieve them without your active engagement, input and involvement. I need your help.
The most important office in the Student Government Association is not the president, vice-president or senator, but the office of the student.
Your voice has the power and agency to shape our future. I encourage you to reach out, share your ideas and engage in various opportunities for involvement.
This presidency is not just about me; it’s about us. It’s about what we can do together. It’s about restoring trust in an SGA built by our students, for our students.
It’s time to rediscover what it means to be a Bulldog and realize the power of over 6,000 voices calling for hope and change.
As we embark on this new chapter, I am excited about what we will accomplish.
Together, let’s create a community where every Bulldog has the opportunity and resources to thrive.
The work begins now, and I am ready to serve you.
For Every Bulldog,
Caleb John
