These are the candidates for the College of Communication and Information Senate Seats in the Spring 2025 SGA General Election.
Sam Godwin
Hello, my name is Sam Godwin. I am a sophomore, a creative media student, and someone who constantly strives to make his community better. I am running, because I always have a desire to work with those around me, network with other students, and work for you. Through my position at SGA, I would like to foster a more caring community. I want to work with individuals on a personal and greater level, to help connect the University campus. I will work with the student body, to help create the community we all need.
Alden Jipson
Hello, I am Alden Jipson, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Senator of the College of Communication & Information Sciences! I am a freshman Public Relations major from Enterprise, Alabama, and it has been an honor to serve on the First Year Council in the Executive Branch of the SGA this school year. Writing legislation to improve this campus has been an incredible joy of mine, and I aim to make this campus we all call home even better with your help! I am focused on ensuring that each and every student in the college of C&IS has the resources they need to succeed in the job market.
Our college can only be as strong as our students, so I would like to promote mentorship programs, including tutoring for graphic design courses. Proper access to materials ensures academic success, so I hope to enhance “the Hub” common area in Reese Phifer by adding a textbook loaning center for seniors to freshmen. Lastly, I’d like to focus on placing students directly in the community to complete pro-bono work that is needed to secure a job in Communications. I look forward to hearing from you directly so we can make the College of Communication & Information Sciences the best that it can be! I ask you to join me on February 25 and make UA #AdvanceWithAlden! Roll Tide!
Charlie Key
My name is Charlie Key, and I am a freshman majoring in News Media with a concentration in sports. I currently serve as the External Affairs Committee Chair for the First Year Council, where I have worked alongside my peers to create impactful legislation for freshmen at UA. I am also a member of Crimson Tide Productions’ On-Air Team, enhancing the Alabama Athletics experience through multimedia. Additionally, I serve as Chaplain Assistant for a group of women on campus, fostering faith-based connection and encouragement.
My why for life is to be a light in the midst of a dark world. I am running for Senate because I want to be a voice for students in C&IS and spark significant changes that make our college a brighter place for everyone. Everyone has a unique light to shine, I want to be a representation of the light already present in C&IS and further enhance that light through legislation.
My platform rests on three points: Promotion, Connection, and Innovation. Promoting the achievements of students is essential to cultivating pride within C&IS. Creating a connected community is vital to building relationships that encourage collaboration and engagement. Encouraging innovation is essential to improving the student experience within C&IS. I aim to empower students to contribute to meaningful changes that will better the C&IS experience for everyone.
Lyric Speer
Hello! My name is Lyric Speer and I am a freshman from Madison, West Virginia, double majoring in Communications and Public Relations, with a minor in Cyber Criminology on a pre-law track. I am excited to announce my candidacy for the College of Communications and Information Sciences Senate! Currently, I serve as a First-Year Councilor for the Student Government Association, Greek Point Chair for Alpha Gamma Delta, and Involved in several other organizations that allow me to connect with various students on campus. Through my platform, I want to “Lock In” on involvement, inclusivity, and innovation within C&IS.
To increase involvement, I want to implement a dedicated C&IS-specific Get on Board Day. This event will provide students with the opportunity to learn more about the 20 organizations within C&IS. A smaller-scale event like this will help students gain a deeper understanding of the various organizations and identify specific ways they can get involved.
Additionally, collaboration between the SGA Capstone Wellness Explorer and C&IS will promote inclusivity and ensure that all students feel they belong. The Capstone Wellness Explorer encourages student participation in various events that support wellness. By promoting these events through C&IS, students will discover where they can fit in on campus.
Lastly, C&IS can collaborate with other colleges, such as the Culverhouse College of Business, to inspire innovation among students. By networking with individuals from diverse backgrounds, students can share ideas and connect with peers involved in other areas of campus life.