These are the candidates for the College of Arts and Sciences Senate Seats in the Spring 2025 SGA General Election.
Benjamin Avriett
Hello, my name is Benjamin Avriett, and I am a freshman Musical Theatre and Environmental Engineering major. I am running for a Senate seat in the College of Arts and Sciences because I believe in the power of change on this campus. Since I arrived at UA, I’ve seen so much potential for growth within myself, but also in the environment around me. The University of Alabama’s remarkable services, beautiful lecture halls, and invaluable resources make it a top institution in the nation.
But I ask you: why stop there? What gets me out of bed in the morning is my passion for making a difference. Locally, I seek to establish a consistent recycling system across campus – specifically within residence halls – and expand access to eco-friendly resources for students. Sustainability is a choice, and sooner or later, its one we will all have to make to protect our planet.
The best place to start these efforts is here at the University of Alabama. Every day, UA shapes more students to become leaders in their respective industries. You could say that Legends are Made. Let’s take that a step further. Let’s make legends who make history- global changemakers committed to a better planet and future. Every student has a powerful voice, and as your senator, I will ensure those voices are heard. It would be an honor to represent you and lead a movement for a more sustainable UA.
Thomas Bazemore
Hello, my name is Thomas Bazemore. I am a freshman at the University of Alabama running for Senate in the College of Arts and Sciences. During my time here, I have been actively involved in the Academic Affairs Committee, Theta Chi Fraternity, and the Student Mobilization Organization. Along with this, I’ve participated in clubs like the SmartPay Society and worked as a tutor to help other students at the University. These experiences have deepened my commitment to making our campus a place where all students can thrive.
I am running for Senate because I want to promote beneficial change for all students.
My platform consists of five key points:
- Foster Inclusivity- I will use my role to bring everyone on board into a collective community through campus-wide events.
- Promote Academic Excellence- As a former Academic Affairs Committee member and a tutor, I will use my experience to elevate the level of academics at the University.
- Develop Connections- I will work with others in the Student Government Association to create and further connections for the students of the University of Alabama to benefit from.
- Create Opportunity- Help the University and their staff promote opportunity in research and community service to expand experiences for students at the University of Alabama.
- Emphasize Transparency- Work to make the SGA more accessible and open to students, their issues and opinions.
I believe that with your vote these points are attainable and impactful changes we can implement to better our University. Roll Tide!
Christian Colwell
Hello Capstone students! My name is Christian Colwell, and I am excited to announce my candidacy to be one of your College of Arts and Science Senators. I am a freshman from Las Vegas Nevada, majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Interdisciplinary Medicine and Buisness on the Pre Med track.
Despite growing up under the neon lights 2000 miles away, I am overwhelmed with pride and thrill to call the University of Alabama my new home. As your Senator, I am committed to serving our community with that same mindset every day and push the excellency of our capstone even further. My experience as a First Year Councilor, Mccollough Institute Scholar, and Student Alumni Ambassador have not only prepared me to be able to listen and synthesize the diverse needs of our college, but also understand how to kickstart resolutions to these problems.
Throughout my involvement on campus, concerns from my fellow Arts and Science scholars have been expressed to me. My platform will address these concerns. First, I will create an Arts and Science Club/Lab portal. This platform will efficiently display all arts and science extracurricular opportunities available to students in one place. I also plan on coordinating a public and emotional health day during the Weeks Of Welcome to educate students about the importance of living healthier lives. Finally, I will reconstruct the Crimson Closet, making it more accessible and reliable for all students.
I would be honored to serve as one of your Senators. Roll Tide!
Alexa Filipowicz
My name is Alexa Filipowicz, and I am excited to run for a seat in the SGA senate representing the College of Arts and Sciences. I am a freshman from New Berlin, Wisconsin, studying biology on the Stem path to MBA. I am a dedicated student involved in various campus organizations including being a member of the UA Pre-Dental Honor Society, and a volunteer at Skyland Elementary through Reading Allies.
I am running for Senate as I have seen how students can thrive with the right opportunities and want to ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. My platform is based on developing a co-op program for pre-health students, allowing them to gain real world experience through partnerships with local clinics, non-profits, and hospitals. This would allow for internships, shadowing, and volunteer opportunities to strengthen professional school applications. I am also campaigning for mental health resources and support to be ongoing, not just during finals. I plan to partner with campus counseling services to create workshops and events like art, music, and exercise therapy. Finally, I am proposing a collaboration with The Office of Sustainability to strengthen recycling programs and allow for student-led sustainability projects.
I would be honored to represent you and work toward making our college an even better place. I appreciate your support and your vote! #AdvocatewithAlexa
Marykate Foster
Hi, I’m Marykate Foster, and I’m asking for your vote to represent you and the College of Arts and Sciences in the SGA Senate. As a freshman psychology major and member of First Year Council, I have learned a great deal about what our students really need and how we can accomplish those goals through the SGA Senate. I hope to earn your vote to work hard for you to accomplish the following goals and many more:
More Work Opportunities: College of Arts and Sciences students need an easier path to find internships, co-op programs, and jobs to help them build practical experience and explore their career path.
More First-Hand Experience Opportunities: Students within our College need more first-hand experience opportunities, particularly for students with majors such as psychology, social work, or sociology.
More Study Abroad Opportunities: Since the College of Arts and Sciences provides such a wide range of majors, creating more avenues to experience and learn different cultures and perspectives can make a crucial difference for students within so many different majors and career paths.
Introduce Professional Development Workshops: The College of Arts and Sciences needs professional development workshops to connect students with working professionals in industries related to their majors.
Strengthen Alumni Network Engagement: The College of Arts and Sciences should better engage their alumni to become mentors and provide advice and leadership direction to students within each major track.
Anna Beth Frazier
Hi UA! My name is Anna Beth Frazier, and I am honored to be running to represent the College of Arts and Sciences as a senator. I am a freshman from Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in Criminology and Accounting with a minor in Cyber Criminology. I currently have the privilege of serving on the First Year Council for SGA. I have loved working on legislation that helps the freshman class and would love to continue working to better UA’s students’ experiences in the College of Arts and Sciences.
As your senator, I will focus on support, service, and collaboration. Many departments have focused on counseling accessibility, and the College of Arts and Sciences should continue to provide that support. I’ll partner with the Counseling Office to amplify the availability of their services through flyers, QR codes, and tabling events. The College of Arts and Sciences also offers so much beyond the classroom. To emphasize their service, I’ll organize events to promote the college’s outreach programs and courses. Finally, with so many diverse departments, academic opportunities can be overlooked. If elected, I’ll ensure that collaboration remains by hosting a panel for students who are in Undergraduate Research Programs for the College of Arts and Sciences to explain what research programs are, their benefits, and how to get involved. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my ideas with my peers. Make sure to Follow Frazier for support, service, and collaboration
Sean Kirce
My name is Sean D. Kirce, and I am a rising sophomore at the University of Alabama. I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in Computing Technology and Applications. I am involved in several campus organizations, including the First-Year Liaison Program at the Black Student Union, the Pre-Law Student Association, and the SGA Engagement Committee. Additionally, I serve as a test proctor for CS 102. Outside of my academic pursuits, I am actively involved at Church of the Highlands, where I do song lyrics on Sundays and during events. I also work as a camera director. I am running for Senate because I am ready to take action when I notice something unusual. My platform supports students whose voices are often unheard and serves as a mentor, providing encouragement and motivation to others.
Krista Miller
My name is Krista Miller, and I am running for Arts and Science Senate! I am a first year student, studying Political Science, Legal History, and Criminal Justice. I currently have the honor of serving as a member of the University Mock Trial Team, Pre-law society, Student Government Association Belonging and Wellness committee, and the Alpha Delta Pi chapter. By running for Senate, I want to use my passion for this university to bring other students the opportunity to enhance their academic and professional experience, and take advantage of all the university has to offer.
My platform has its foundation in student experience, with my first focus being academics. I intend to work with other senators to organize events that recognize individual student success, along with ways to further incentivize and provide students with ways to increase their academic performance. Secondly, I plan to work with SGA to expand safety precautions on campus. In recent years, sufficient safety legislation has been passed, but it would be my intention to broaden those that have recently been adapted, as well as implement new variations. Lastly, I aim to focus on leadership development, and provide opportunities for students not actively holding a leadership position, to prepare themselves to, such as by learning how to interview and create a resume, or collaborating with students in a position to work with and implement their ideas.
Let’s Move with Miller to bring student experience to a higher standard!
Lauren Moerbe
Hey, UA!! My name is Lauren Moerbe, and I am beyond excited to announce my candidacy to be your next senator in the College of Arts & Sciences. I am a freshman from Memphis, Tennessee and my current major is Political Science with a minor in Personal Wealth Management on the Pre-Law track!
Throughout my time and involvement on campus, I have had the pleasure of meeting a wide range of students; each with hopes and concerns for their experience at UA. My intent is to represent each student and ensure their voice is heard and valued, responding with action. I truly believe this campus is full of opportunity and I am driven to ensure all students find their place and are aware of all that is available to them. The foundations of my campaign include Listening, Leading, and Lobbying. Representing all perspectives and being open to all ideas, addressing concerns and bringing forward meaningful changes, and finally advocating for policies and change that aligns solely with the interests of the student body.
I am so thankful for your consideration and hope that you choose to Launch with Lauren and vote for me as one of your next senators of the College of Arts & Sciences.
Archana Rajasekaran
My name is Archana Rajasekaran and I’m from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. I am a current freshman on the pre-law track, majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice and minoring in Business! I am involved in multiple clubs around UA; I am part of the UA Honors College, Women in Pre-Law Society, the Legal Research Club, the Asian-American Student Association, the Indian Students Association in Tuscaloosa and I also participate in volunteering services and more!
I am running for this position because I believe in fostering a campus community that values inclusivity, transparency, and growth. As a passionate advocate for student voices, I want to ensure that every member of our university feels heard, represented, and empowered to succeed.
My platform focuses on the three key pillars of accessibility, engagement, and innovation. I will work to expand resources for students, including mental health services, academic support, and career readiness programs. I want to increase student participation in decision-making processes by improving communication between the SGA and the student body. I wish to be innovative and thoughtful with how I go about propositions or better solutions for students. By prioritizing these goals, I aim to create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. I am eager to work with my peers to make meaningful changes that will both current and future students.
Chappy Ruddell
Hello! My name is Chappy Ruddell, and I am a freshman currently studying chemistry. After a year on the First Year Council, I have enjoyed implementing positive change on campus. I am excited for the opportunity to continue in the senate! I have three main goals. First, I will push for parking ticket forgiveness for first time offenders and overall improvement of both the number of parking spots and parking accessibility. Secondly, on-campus food options are extremely limited on the weekends. In order to relieve this issue, I will advocate for extended dining hall hours and longer hours of operation for restaurants in the Student Center. If elected to the Senate, I will fight to implement feasible solutions to these urgent issues.
Savannah Sempier
My name is Savannah Sempier, and I am a freshman majoring in Neuroscience and Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am excited to run for Senator of the College of Arts and Sciences because it will allow me the opportunity to meaningfully give back to the University of Alabama in my short time on campus. Additionally, I am a part of the Emerging Scholars Program and the Honors College, so I am able to identify student needs from a wide variety of people on campus. I have also recognized many opportunities for change on campus that I hope to address and write legislation on.
I am running on the three platform points of student safety, campus collaboration, and career preparedness. Through student safety, I hope to make students more aware of actions they should take in the event of a tornado on campus. Additionally, I want to create better signage and awareness for tornado shelters in our academic buildings as many students would not know how to respond during the natural disaster. I plan to build professional relations with the new Saban Center and collaborate in their goal to encourage kids to be excited about careers in the arts and sciences fields. Lastly, I want to implement an internship/fellowship seminar series where students can learn about opportunities to prepare them for the workforce or graduate school. The series allows students to ask other students who have completed these internships and fellowships questions before choosing to apply.
Alex Soliz
Hey UA! I am Alex Soliz, and I am running to be one of your next College of Arts and Sciences Senators! I am a freshman from Dallas, Texas majoring in Biology on the Pre-Dental Track, and since being on the Capstone, my first semester has been everything I could have asked for. With that being said, it is now my mission to ensure that every student at UA has the best possible experience here, like I do.
On a campus so large, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unseen. However, by working alongside the College of Arts & Sciences, I plan to commit to my platform, Stand With Soliz, where I will ensure that every student is heard and advocated for.
The University of Alabama has been nothing but a blessing to me, and it would be an honor to serve my school and this community as an SGA Senator of the College of Arts & Sciences.
Katherine Steel
Hello, my name is Katherine Steel, and I am a proud member of the University of Alabama community. I am from Huntsville, Alabama. I am currently pursuing a double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice with a focus on the pre-law track. Throughout my time at UA, I have sought out opportunities to both expand my academic knowledge and make meaningful contributions to campus life.
In addition to my coursework, I am actively involved in several campus organizations, including the First Year Council, the Capstone Journal Undergraduate Law Review, and the Delta Zeta sorority. I also have the privilege of interning at the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office, where I am gaining valuable real-world experience in the legal field.
Through these experiences, I have developed a strong passion for advocating for my peers and working to improve the college experience for all students. I am excited to announce that I am running for Senate to continue my commitment to making positive changes on campus, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment, and ensuring that the voices of students are heard and represented.
Micah Thomas
My name is Micah Thomas, and I am a Criminal Justice major from the historic city of Selma, Alabama. I am honored and excited to announce my candidacy for Senator of the College of Arts and Sciences. I have earned two associate degrees from Wallace Community College Selma, and I am deeply committed to the values of advocacy and leadership. Coming from a town known for its courageous fight for civil rights, I have been inspired by the legends who endured hardship to secure the right to vote—not just for themselves, but for future generations. Their legacy has taught me that we cannot wait for change; we must be the change the world needs.
For me, this journey begins here, where legends are made. I’m running for this office to represent my college and be the voice that drives change. I want others to feel the same support and encouragement I’ve received here. My goal is to develop initiatives that create opportunities and solutions within our college. By partnering with fellow senators, we can make these initiatives accessible to all students. The Capstone has always symbolized the power of unity, and with the support of the students and the SGA, we will continue to showcase each student’s greatness. I learned from a wise woman “Movements for social change are like jigsaw puzzles. Everyone is a piece. If your piece is missing, the picture is not complete. Why? Because you’re the most important piece.”- Joanne Bland. Students your voice matters. Vote!!
Dominic Weir
My name is Dominic Weir, and as the son of a United States Marine, I have lived across six military duty stations, cultivating resilience, adaptability, and a global perspective—qualities I am eager to bring to my service in the Student Government Association. I am profoundly grateful for the National Merit Scholarship provided by UA and for the opportunity to contribute to a campus where legends are made.
Since arriving at the Capstone, I have worked to repay this incredible opportunity through service; from volunteering at DCH Hospital to supporting Habitat for Humanity, and interning with Project Horseshoe Farm in Greensboro, Alabama, I’ve gained valuable experience addressing challenges faced by both our campus and communities across the state. These experiences have prepared me to be an advocate for all UA students.
As a member of the SGA Senate, I hope to continue addressing the needs of each and every student on campus, in addition to addressing the unique concerns of honors, pre-health, as well as military and international students. Furthermore, I am committed to improving academic resources, expanding research opportunities within the College of Arts and Sciences, promoting environmental sustainability initiatives, and enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of the campus.
Together, we can ensure that every voice is heard, and every student has the tools to succeed, building on UA’s tradition of excellence and creating a stronger future for the Capstone.
May God bless America—and, of course, the university of His favorite football team. Roll Tide!
Miah Woodgett
Hi y’all! I’m Miah Woodgett, a first-year, first-generation college student at the Capstone, majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice (Pre-Law) with a Minor in Public Policy. I’m set to graduate in May 2028, and I’ve dedicated my time to serving and advocating for students. As Treasurer for the TRIO Board of Student Advisors, I work to support students like myself in overcoming barriers to success. Beyond that, I’m passionate about leadership, service, and ensuring every student has the resources they need to thrive. My ultimate goal is to become a lawyer and politician because I believe in using my voice to fight for fairness, opportunity, and change.
I’m running for the College of Arts & Sciences Senate because students deserve leaders who genuinely care—leaders who listen, take action, and fight for real change. As a first-generation student, I understand the challenges of navigating college, finding opportunities, and accessing resources. I’ve seen firsthand the struggles students face, from financial barriers to limited support systems, and I want to be part of the solution. I’m not just running to hold a title—I’m running to make a difference.
My Priorities:
- More External Scholarships & Student Funding – Advocate for increased funding and financial support for student organizations.
- Expanding Campus Resources – Improve access to mental health services, academic advising, and career development.
- Enhancing Campus Safety & Sustainability – Push for safety improvements and sustainability efforts.
Let’s make real change happen together. Make a Difference with Miah – Vote Miah Woodgett for Senate!
Saraah Zaheer
Hi, UA! My name is Saraah Zaheer. I’m a freshman majoring in Biology on the Pre-Veterinary Medicine track. On campus, I’m a part of the Randall Research Scholars, the UA Pre-Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Earley’s Integrative Animal Behavior Lab, the SGA Academic Affairs Committee, and Bama Basanti, UA’s premier Indian Fusion dance group.
Civic engagement is very close to my heart. My experience in Model UN and Youth In Government instilled in me a love for government and democracy. Through these programs, I was elected Vice President of the General Assembly, Speaker of the House, and was awarded both for my skills as a delegate and as a policy writer at the national level. These experiences taught me the importance of advocacy and uplifting voices that are otherwise subdued. I’m committed to upholding this principle as Senator.
I’m running on a platform that has three core goals: Safety, Sustainability, and Transparency.
To enhance campus safety, I will advocate for mobilizing University funds to distribute free drink covers and info pamphlets regarding responsible drinking to local bars, the Student Health Center, and the SGA office.
For sustainability, I aim to strengthen the Supe Store buy back program for affordable textbooks and supplies and expand recycling options for plastic bags from on campus-dining.
Lastly, I want to increase transparency in the SGA by providing clear, recaps of legislative meetings, accessible through the SGA website, rather than relying solely on live social media streams.
I greatly appreciate your consideration and remember to #SucceedwithSaraah!
Alex Partida
My name is Alex Partida, and I’m running to be your next Senator for the College of Arts & Sciences. I’m a sophomore from South Texas, and I’m passionate about making real, tangible changes that improve student life and academic success.
The College of Arts & Sciences is the heart of our university, yet too often, students feel unheard and unsupported. I’m running because I believe we deserve better—better resources, better opportunities, and a stronger connection between students and administration. Many of us feel disconnected from the decisions that affect our daily lives. I want to bridge that gap by ensuring meaningful improvements across the board.
As your senator, my platform is built on A.L.E.X.—A plan for Action:
Academic Innovation – Better academic advising, expanded study spaces, and increased internship/research opportunities.
Life in Ten Hoor – Advocating for healthier vending options including protein bars and shakes, installing water bottle refill stations, and upgrading the AC system.
Enhancing Opportunity – Strengthening career services, creating mentorship programs for students, and improving campus accessibility.
eXperience Beyond the Classroom – Building community partnerships for hands-on learning, promoting sustainability efforts, and establishing clear communication channels between students and leadership.
I’m here to take action, not just talk. If elected, I’ll ensure Arts & Sciences students are heard, supported, and empowered. Vote Alex for real results, real change, and real student representation.