These are the candidates for the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences Senate seats in the Spring 2026 General Election.
Isabella Avila
My name is Isabella Avila! I am a student at the University of Alabama studying political science and communications. I am running for senate to increase my personal involvement at UA and help improve the university that I love. This school has given me many opportunities I didn’t think were possible, and I would love to help others have access to the same and even more chances than me. As a senator, I will increase internship opportunities for the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences and ensure that student clubs have their voices heard by higher levels of campus administration.
Though currently limited, student internship opportunities for the Arts and Science college are integral, both for applying to graduate institutions and entering the job market. I plan to work with the career center to establish better connections with intern spaces in Tuscaloosa. Additionally, I intend to start a social media page advertising Barefield specific internship opportunities so it is more accessible for students to find these positions.
I aim to help student organizations on campus have more of a voice in decisions that affect them. Whether that be through more transparency, or more regular meetings with SGA and faculty leaders, I believe student organizations deserve to know more about the how and why changes in the university influence what they do. Clubs are such a huge part of my life on campus and many others; sudden changes that could hurt these clubs should be avoided to protect their members.
Akaree Barbour
Hello, my name is Akaree Barbour, and I’m a freshman Political Science and Marketing Major. I’m excited to announce my candidacy to be one of your Barefield College of Arts and Sciences Senators because I have always believed that power is within the people and, with the correct representation, so much can be accomplished. As your senator, I will be committed to serving our community with a 110% mindset and pushing the excellence of our capstone further.
When I wake up in the morning, I always wonder, why do we keep going? What pushes each of us forward? For most, it’s the idea of becoming a legend from the Capstone. When at the Capstone, we know this is where legends are made, but a legend needs to have the best support system.
My platform consists of concerns that not only the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences has, but the entire student body. Beginning with funding for all, which goes back to April 2025, when the Humanities Department experienced extensive budget cuts in comparison with other programs. These budget disparities create a gap for students in these programs. Next, I want to host a career panel for Barefield College of Arts and Sciences students. Lastly, parking at UA. Parking here is everyone’s worst enemy, and by electing me, I’ll try our best to fix that issue for everyone, including commuters.
It would be an honor to serve as your next senator. Roll Tide and remember to vote #BuildWithBarbour February 24th.
Izzy Brooks
My name is Izzy Brooks, and I am a current freshman from southeast Michigan double majoring in Chemistry and Spanish, with additional minors in Interdisciplinary Studies in Medicine and Social Innovation and Leadership. I am a member of the 19th Cohort of the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program, as well as a member of the McCollough Pre-Medical Scholars Program! On campus, I am a member of the Psi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, serve as an Al’s Pals mentor, and participate in Run UA.
I am running for a position on the 31st Senate because I have a passion for leadership, service, and genuine connection with others! In my time at the Capstone so far, I have learned valuable lessons about what it means to develop a community and engage in meaningful work. I hope to take these lessons, along with the feedback and desires of my peers, and promote thoughtful, student-centered progress that reflects the diverse needs of students within the Barefield College of Arts & Sciences!
My platform is centered on three ideals: Engagement, Encouragement, and Enrichment. I am a firm believer that meaningful change must come from the ground up. With this in mind, I hope to engage directly with my peers, in order to serve them more efficiently and equitably. Additionally, I hope to foster an environment of compassion and encouragement where students feel supported in each aspect of their college lives- academically, mentally, and emotionally!
Ryann Bulger
My name is Ryann Bulger and I am a freshman neuroscience major from Raleigh, North Carolina, and I am so excited to potentially serve you as Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences! Throughout my first year at UA, I’ve taken several leadership positions, such as Chair of the Finance Committee for the First Year Council of the Student Government Association and Director of Chapter Property for the Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi. I’m also an active member of UA Miracle and The BioInnovation Society. I want to be a Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences so I can serve my peers through legislation aimed at bettering their experience, and continuing what I have already achieved through the First Year Council.
The platform points I plan on accomplishing if elected include: Health and Wellbeing Resources – Providing more resources for the health and well-being of students to increase student happiness and satisfaction, such as free CPR training days and homesickness support groups. Accessibility – Increasing display of existing resources, such as long-term absence policies and AED/Narcan locations, to help students take full advantage of the resources at-hand, as well as increasing transparency through new signage in buildings such as Shelby or Rowan-Johnson Halls. Implementation – While serving on FYC, I already started achieving these goals through the creation of “FYC Simplified,” and centering my legislation project around the hypothetical addition of a CPR Kiosk on campus.
Thank you, and I hope you will #RollWithRyann on February 24!
Charles Canady
My name is Charles C Canady, and I am a sophomore majoring in political science and public policy at The University of Alabama. I am actively involved on campus through the SGA Engagement Committee, the University of Alabama NAACP chapter, and as a member of the Connections Team at a local college ministry. Through these roles, I have had the opportunity to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and work to make our campus more inclusive and engaged.
I am running for Senate because I believe student government should be accessible, responsive, and representative of all students. I want to serve as a voice for students who may feel unheard and help ensure that concerns are not only acknowledged, but addressed through meaningful action. My experiences in leadership and service have shown me the importance of accountability and follow-through, and I am committed to bringing those values to the Senate.
My platform focuses on three key areas: student engagement, equity, and transparency. I aim to strengthen communication between students and SGA, support initiatives that promote inclusion and opportunity for all students, and advocate for clear, open decision-making within student government. I am committed to showing up prepared, listening intentionally, and working collaboratively to improve the student experience at the Capstone.
Alexander Demuth
As a high school senior back home in Iowa, I worked for a semester in the Iowa House of Representatives. There, I saw a dichotomy between the representatives. Some refused to talk to their colleagues across the aisle and meet with constituents. Others worked across party lines and met with people from all areas of the public and genuinely tried to improve the state. My name is Alexander Demuth, and I’m running for SGA because I believe we need more of the latter. I’m a candidate for all the arts and science students. While on campus, I’ve been involved in a variety of organizations, from the Crimson Improv Troupe and University Lutheran Church to the University of Alabama Diplomacy Club, and my experience in these fields provides me with a unique perspective beneficial to all students. A vote for Alex is a vote for fair representation and an unbiased conduit for your concerns.
Austin Forbes
My name is Austin Forbes, and I’m a freshman biology major from Huntsville, Alabama. I have made it my mission to make an impact at this university and plan to accomplish this by becoming as involved as possible. I am already part of multiple organizations on campus, including the First Year Council, Al’s Pals, and the Honors College. As a result of my early involvement, I have built many great connections and friendships, which I am very grateful for. I am running for the SGA Senate to fulfill my mission of bettering the university and representing the student body. I have seen the benefits that Barefield has to offer, and I would love to expand those benefits by becoming an official representative and playing a part in the legislation that impacts it.
My candidacy will focus primarily on increasing awareness of postgraduate opportunities for arts and science majors here at UA. I would love to promote opportunities, events, and paths for arts and science students to take, as it will aid those who are struggling to figure out their next steps after graduation. Another issue that I will focus on is the absence of recorded lectures among professors throughout the college. Life is full of surprises, and recorded lectures will act as a safety net for those who face its struggles. Lastly, I would like to bring forth an official university “Mental Health Day” for students and professors to use as stress relief from the high pressures of academic life.
Alayna Garth
Hi, my name is Alayna Garth and I am honored to announce my candidacy to represent the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences as a senator. I am a Freshman from Decatur, Alabama, double majoring in Political Science and Criminal Justice on the Pre-Law track.
As your senator, I can assure you that I will be All In for Academic Excellence: I’m all in on advocating for strong academic resources within the college of Arts and Sciences, including more accessible advising, tutoring options, and student input on class curriculum. Every student deserves the tools to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. All In for Student Voices: I’m all in on making sure that Arts and Sciences students are heard. I hope to serve as a liaison between students and their government, bringing forth student concerns, and communicating transparently about issues that affect us all. All In for Opportunity and Engagement: I’m all in on expanding opportunities for involvement, leadership and professional growth. I plan on making internships more approachable and accessible to students, as well as pushing for more leadership and service initiatives that can benefit students in diverse majors and career paths.
I hope that you will choose to be All In With Alayna, and cast your vote on myBama from 7am to 7pm on Tuesday, February 24th.
Kayla Harmon
My name is Kayla Harmon, and I am a third-year student at The University of Alabama, majoring in Political Science with a minor in International Business on the Pre-Law track. I am honored to be running to represent the College of Arts and Sciences. I am actively involved in student advocacy, community service, and organizational leadership, both on and off campus, which has shaped my commitment to service-driven leadership and meaningful student representation.
I am running for SGA Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences to serve as a strong bridge between students and administration, ensuring student concerns are not only heard but addressed with follow-through. I believe effective representation means listening to students, advocating for accessible academic support, prioritizing student well-being, and creating an environment where every student feels empowered to succeed.
My platform focuses on academic support, student accessibility, and student well-being. I am committed to increasing awareness of and access to tutoring and academic resources by collaborating with academic departments and campus partners to better promote tutoring services, study support, and exam preparation resources. I will advocate for greater student accessibility, especially for students balancing academics and personal responsibilities. This includes improving communication around campus resources and ensuring support systems are inclusive and responsive to student needs. I will prioritize student well-being by supporting initiatives that promote mental health awareness, balance, and stress management.
All in with Kayla is a commitment to academic success, accessibility, and student well-being at every level of the UA experience.
Mary Frances Itsede
My name is Mary Frances Itsede and I am a Freshman from Hartselle, Alabama double majoring in Political Science and English with a minor in Public Policy. My experience this year as a member of the First Year Council has been nothing short of outstanding and has solidified my desire to continue serving the student body through student government. Through FYC, I had the opportunity to collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds, all united by the shared goal of enhancing the freshman experience. I had the honor to serve as the Committee Chair of the Student Affairs Committee, where I review and edit legislation sent to the committee and lead meetings. I have successfully passed two pieces of legislation, which fuels my passion for running for Senate, to have the opportunity to impact the student body on a greater scale. My platform points are Awareness, Advocacy, and Support. Awareness: in BCAS emails, working to include information about the UA Career Center’s resume workshops and creating mock interviews that are tailored to the individual’s profession or course of study. Advocate: create a simplified section on the College’s website to broadcast professors and organizations that are offering opportunities for research and internships. Support: Through digital promotion in residential TV slideshows and promotion on the SGA Instagram account, advertising which dining halls have allergy and special dining needs rooms.
Ashton Lamberth
Greetings, UA! It is a profound honor to announce my candidacy for SGA’s 31st Senate, representing the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences!
I’m Ashton Lamberth – a freshman double-majoring in Political Science and Nutrition on the Pre-Law track. To be frank, my time at the Capstone hasn’t just been a semester full of excitement; it’s been an immersion. From my time on SGA’s Academic Affairs Committee to writing for The Crimson White, this unfiltered immersion has helped me discover the drive that makes UA the perfect home-away-from-home.
Truthfully, Barefield is the heartbeat of the Capstone; it is where every Alabama legend’s story takes root. With a $35 million legacy gift fueling our future, we have incredible momentum – but success without strategy is just a missed opportunity. You are the strategy – and I’m prepared to accelerate your voice into action.
As senator, I will introduce The Lamberth Ledger – a comprehensive, multi-legislative roadmap, rooted in student and faculty experience, designed to translate our college’s resources into tangible student success. My commitment is to modernize our historic infrastructure, centralize A&S digital resources, and build a global-to-local career pipeline for our international community. By using data-driven metrics to keep us on course, the Ledger will turn the tide, ensuring every student has a clear, unobstructed path to personal and professional success. We aren’t just dreaming of a better Barefield; we are delivering it, together.
It’s time to lead, it’s time to move, and it’s time to Take Action with Ashton!
Andrew Lusk
My name is Andrew Lusk and I am from Huntsville, Alabama. I am a Freshman double majoring in History and Political Science. I currently serve as one of 65 Freshmen representatives on this year’s First Year Council. Having been in FYC for the majority of my Freshman year, I found a passion in helping my peers succeed on campus. I want to be able to continue that passion for the students of the Arts and Science College. In Senate, I would be able to create a better student experience through legislation. My platform is based on providing students with the tools necessary to excel. There are numerous underutilized resources on campus, and supporting these are the utmost importance to me. To start, I would spread awareness of current tutoring services using further university emails and more specifically, the creation of attention-grabbing social media posts by UA tutoring accounts. I would advocate for a portion of sessions to be conducted by paid upperclassmen in traditional underclassmen dorms as well to increase a feeling of student unity and belongingness on campus. In addition to expanding tutoring services, I would also aim to implement a student accessible database used to monitor the number of people present at any on-campus recreation center. Lastly, I would also work with on-campus police officers to consistently speak to incoming Freshmen at Bama Bound. This would ease possible future tensions between students and law enforcement personnel and would establish a greater sense of security and safety among students.
Isabella Smythe
Hello UA! My name is Isabella Smythe, and I am a sophomore majoring in English with a minor in French. I am running to serve as a Senator for the College of Arts & Sciences. On campus, I am actively involved in the creative community as a member of the Million Dollar Band and a French horn player in several University concert ensembles.
With so many departments and academic paths, it can be challenging for students to fully know the opportunities and resources available to them. I want to bridge that gap by promoting awareness of resources that support research, creativity, and academic exploration, and by ensuring student work is recognized across the UA community.
The College of Arts & Sciences hosts a wide range of research and creative projects, yet much of it often goes unseen. My platform focuses on increasing the visibility of student projects and clarifying access to resources for inspiration, funding, and mentorship. I am especially passionate about highlighting student creative showcases–all your recitals, plays, concerts, readings, writing, art, and exhibitions to which you’ve dedicated countless hours and passion. These projects deserve broader recognition and more opportunities to be shared with the larger UA community.
As a student musician, I care deeply about ensuring that student work across Arts & Sciences receives the recognition it deserves. I would be honored to advocate for our students and represent our college in the SGA Senate. Thank you for your consideration, and roll tide!
Gavin Snyder
My name is Gavin Snyder. I am a senior microbiology major with minors in philosophy and chemistry. I have been involved with transfer mentors, project health, and done volunteer work through Therapeutic Riding of Tuscaloosa (TROT). I am running because I want to make a difference within the college of arts and sciences by promoting volunteer opportunities to all students. I want students to be aware that they are not alone with their struggles and find community for: mental health, study groups, and pre-professional support. My platform is based on the fact I have been in the shoes of my peers. I’ve done hard work and want to continue to work hard, but for them through this legislative position.
Katherine Steel
I am Katherine Steel, a sophomore from Huntsville, Alabama. Here at The Capstone, I study political science and criminal justice while being on the pre-law track. I am currently serving as a Barefield College of Arts and Science Senator and Chair of the Rules Committee. Alongside my current SGA involvement, I am an Executive Editor for The Capstone Journal Undergraduate Law Review for Public Policy, serve my sorority in multiple positions, and am a part of Carl A. Elliott Society.
I chose to run again because representing my peers through SGA is one of my biggest passions. Through my experience on First Year Council and Senate, I have learned how to effectively legislate, collaborate, and lead.
My platform is focused on consistency, opportunity, and innovation. Throughout my time on campus, I have learned that consistency brings opportunity and knowledge. I want to improve opportunities for all students in research, internships, and improve their career trajectory. My goal within senate is to innovate new programs to help improve student success through resource management, advocacy, and access.
If reelected, I would continue my progress in student advocacy, and bringing academic and personal success.
Reed Warburton
My name is Reed Warburton, and I am a first-year in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Chemistry on the Pre-Medicine track. I’m active across campus in service organizations, Greek life, faith groups, and leadership within IFC. Service and leadership have always been staples in my life, from serving as National Honor Society President in high school to earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
I am running for Senate in the College of Arts & Sciences to be a strong, accessible voice for students who care about academics, involvement, service and success but may sometimes feel unheard. Student Government works best when representatives are engaged, accountable, and easy to reach.
My platform centers on three priorities. First, connect students to success resources. I will partner with departments to make tutoring, advising and study supports visible and tailored to first-year student’s needs. Second, I want to increase meaningful involvement on campus. I will improve Get On Board Day and create better paths to clubs, organizations and service so students can find groups they will stick with. Third, I want leadership to be more approachable and accountable. I will hold regular office hours, publish progress reports, and create simple ways for students to follow up.
I promise a commitment to integrity, listening to students, and following through on my promises as senator. It would be an honor to serve the College of Arts and Sciences as your senator.
EA Wilson
My name is Elizabeth Ann (EA) Wilson, and I am a student in the College of Arts & Sciences. As an actively involved student on campus, including a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, I am passionate about student communication, advocacy, and leadership. I value collaboration and believe in creating a positive, inclusive experience for Arts & Sciences students. I am running for College of Arts & Sciences Senator because I want to be a strong, approachable voice for students. A&S students have diverse academic paths, and I believe they deserve representation that communicates, listens, and takes action. My platform, Empower with EA, focuses on empowering access, opportunity, community, and students. I will work to make academic resources easier to navigate, advocate for additional professional and research opportunities, and encourage stronger connections across departments. Ultimately, I aim to magnify student voices and represent their needs within SGA.
