These are the candidates for the College of Communication and Information Senate Seats in the Spring 2026 SGA General Election.
Ava Blair
My name is Ava Blair, and I am thrilled to announce that I am running to be your next College of Communication and Information Sciences Senator. I am a freshman from Louisville, Kentucky, majoring in News Media with a concentration in sports and double minoring in Digital Consumer Engagement and Political Science. I am currently a member of First Year Council and Crimson Tide Productions. My mission is to ensure that all students in C&IS feel represented and have their voices heard. My platform focuses on fostering connections within our college and beyond, streamlining essential processes for our students, and advocating for the wants and needs of those within our college. Together, we can create meaningful change and ensure every student has the resources necessary to succeed. Advance with Ava!
Giselle Gibbs
My name is Giselle Gibbs, and I am a junior majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Creative Media. This is my second semester at The University of Alabama, having transferred last fall. My campus involvement includes positions as a C&IS Ambassador, writer for The Crimson White and Alice Magazine, and a member of WVUA-FM. I am running for SGA as a Senate candidate because it aligns with my goals as a UA student and future professional. While preparing to transfer, I set a goal to make the most of the incredible opportunities that UA has to offer, and it is one I have diligently pursued since setting foot here. As a senator, I want to give back to the university that has done so much for me, especially within C&IS. I hope to improve the academic experiences of my fellow students by advocating for their interests and finding solutions for their concerns. As someone who particularly enjoys creative expression and event planning, I also want to open up new avenues for and prioritize these types of activities together. I believe that in today’s day and age, creative expression through mediums such as art and writing has never been more important, so I want other students to have the ability to do so in their own unique way.
Izzy Jennings
Hi! My name is Izzy Jennings, and I am excited to announce my candidacy to represent the College of Communication and Information Sciences as a Senator. I am a freshman majoring in Public Relations and Political Science and a member of the University of Alabama Honors College. As a communications student, I am passionate about connection and using my voice to inspire positive change on campus. I am involved in Kappa Alpha Pi Law Fraternity, Phi Mu Fraternity, and UA Freshman Forum where I have learned the true value of collaboration and communication within leadership. These experiences, paired with my focus in public relations, have shaped how I am approaching this opportunity with energy, openness, and a people-first mindset!
Inspiring Change in CCIS. Inspiring Opportunity: I will work to better connect classroom learning with real-world experiences by advocating for accessible internships, alumni engagement, and career readiness resources. Inspiring Communication: I believe the student government should feel welcoming and easy to understand. I will focus on clearly communicating what SGA and Senate do while creating more opportunities for student voices to be heard. Inspiring Access: I will advocate for a centralized, easy-to-use hub for advising, scholarships, study abroad programs, and campus resources so students can spend less time searching and more time succeeding.
I am ready to serve CCIS with enthusiasm, intention, and care. I hope you’ll choose to Inspire with Izzy!
Jasmine Loren Jones
Hello, my name is Jasmine Loren Jones! I am a third year student from Alabaster, Alabama, majoring in News Media with a concentration in Sports Media and minoring in Leadership Communication. I am elated to announce my candidacy for Senator of the College of Communication and Information Sciences. I am seeking your support in this endeavor and would be honored to represent you and our beloved college as one of 50 senators in the 31st Senate.
In C&IS, I am a member of the Academic Honor Council, Association for Women in Sports Media, CAMP, Capstone Association of Black Journalists, and ROOTS. Additionally, being an Assistant Team Leader and Vice President of Public Relations for the Al’s Pals Mentorship Program, a member of Crimson Tide Productions (CTP), Admissions Ambassador, and even Vice President of Service Events for Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, my time at the Capstone is rooted in serving others and wanting to make a difference, which is why I am ready and would be thrilled to take on the role as a C&IS Senator.
The opportunity to serve my college is centered around improving and strengthening students’ accessibility to resources and increasing opportunities promoting connection, navigation, and innovation. I am dedicated and look forward to working with you because together we can.
I ask you to #JOINTheJourney and vote for me, Jasmine Loren Jones, on Tuesday, February 24th! I would be honored to be your Senator. Thank you for your consideration! Roll Tide!
McKensie Sanford
Hey! My name is McKensie Sanford, and I am a freshman double majoring in Political Science and Public Relations on the pre-law track! I am a manager for the Million Dollar Band, a ROOTS C&IS mentee, a member of Freshman Forum, and involved in other organizations! I am running for College of Communications and Information Sciences Senator because I want to strengthen the connection between students and alumni on an individual level. I believe every student should have access to mentorship and clear paths to professional growth and opportunity. My platform focuses on mentorship, service, and access. I aim to help establish an official program called C&IS Coffee Chats, which would connect C&IS students with alumni mentors and community partners through service opportunities, job shadowing, or meaningful conversations about an alumnus’s experiences. Although we have programs like Industry Immersion, alumni panels, and networking opportunities, not every student knows how to step into them or feels comfortable doing so. C&IS Coffee Chats would create a flexible and low-pressure way for students to build real relationships with alumni. This program would collaborate with other colleges to create a cross-college alumni mentorship exchange. This would help students see how communication skills translate across industries while expanding access to mentorship beyond C&IS. Skills are interdisciplinary, so our program should reflect that. I want to create this program as a measure to ensure that the relationships we start don’t end after one event, but grow into mentorship, confidence, and opportunity.
