These are the candidates for the College of Engineering Senate Seats in the Spring 2025 SGA General Election.
Joshua Cavaness
My name is Joshua Cavaness and I’m a transfer student in my sophomore year here at the University of Alabama from my hometown of Paragould, Arkansas. I obtained my associate degree from a small military college south of Tuscaloosa named Marion Military Institute before being awarded my paramedicine degree from Arkansas State University before coming to UA to study aerospace engineering with a minor in biology on a pre-health track. I work in Tuscaloosa on the ambulance so you may see me around helping others.
I’m running for SGA Senate because I believe my experience in both appointed offices and leadership in stressful emergencies will allow me to better serve the interests of the students within our college. Some of the changes I would like to see within the next year include adding more aviation opportunities and to better address the parking issues some students may face. I believe that working with the students that I represent, the SGA Senate, and university administration, we can find solutions that work to better the student experience not only for us, but the thousands of students that will come after us. I plan to be proactive in my office and reach out to find issues and ideas that the students I represent may have and find solutions to our problems. I believe that together we can close the gap between what we dream and what we accomplish.
Let’s leave a bright legacy here. Roll with Josh and Roll Tide.
Thomas Crawford
I am Thomas Crawford, a first-year Computer Science major, and I am passionate about creating meaningful changes on campus through engagement, advocacy, and innovation. I believe that real change starts with listening to students and turning their concerns into meaningful action. I am running for Senate because I believe every student deserves to be heard, and I want to ensure that their needs are met with thoughtful, practical solutions. My platform is built on three main principles: Engage, Advocate, and Innovate. I plan to engage with students, actively seeking their input to ensure our policies reflect their experiences and concerns. With that in mind, I will fight for student interests, advocating for improvements in transparency and policy that directly affect students’ daily lives. To do so, I will push for creative, practical solutions to enhance campus life, from academic support initiatives to campus quality improvements. By fostering open dialogue, providing actionable representation, and implementing forward-thinking solutions, I will work to make the campus a better place for every student.
Patrick Dolan
My name is Patrick Dolan, and I am a sophomore from Franklin, Tennessee. Here at the Capstone, I am majoring in cybersecurity and am involved in many organizations where I have developed a passion for improving student life. With all this being said, I am excited to announce my candidacy for reelection as a Senator for the College of Engineering. During my time in office, I will remain dedicated to improving the university’s tutoring services by ensuring they are accessible, well-staffed, and tailored to diverse learning needs. I also plan to continue collaborating with non-profit organizations to raise awareness, funds, and resources for cancer research and support. Additionally, I will advocate for developing and advertising innovative university programs to enhance academic and career readiness. It has been an honor to serve as a senator this past year, and now, all I need is your vote to continue making a positive impact on campus.
Heather Hutchcraft
Hey UA! My name is Heather Hutchcraft and I am so excited to be running for College of Engineering Senate! I am a freshman from Alamo, California studying Environmental Engineering with a minor in Political Science. This past year I served as a First Year Councilor, and
I hope to have the opportunity to continue working to improve student life by serving as an SGA senator.
My main platform points are to be connected, be sustainable and be engaged! At a large school with so many resources, it can be easy to miss opportunities that offer unique experiences for engineering students. I aim to connect underclassmen with research and development opportunities through networking, mentorship, and a unified platform for finding projects to get involved in.
Additionally, in a changing climate and with popular innovations such as AI, it has become increasingly important to protect and conserve our natural resources. By implementing book buyback programs, promoting recycling on campus, and optimizing energy efficiency within our buildings, I hope to help UA take an essential step towards carbon neutrality.
Lastly, many organizations in the greater Tuscaloosa area significantly benefit from student involvement and offer valuable experiences for students in return. I will support community engagement through service projects, charity partnerships, and outreach initiatives, such as clothing drives for regional nonprofits, environmental efforts like Black Warrior River clean-ups, and engineering collaborations with local businesses. By applying our skills, we can gain valuable experience while creating a lasting impact on our community.
Connor Guthrie
Dear Students,
I, Connor Guthrie, am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Senate of the College of Engineering. As a member of this dynamic community, I’ve seen how much potential we have, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work with all of you to make our college an even better place.
When I say “Cruising with Connor,” I mean that I’m here to navigate the path forward alongside all of you. I’m not just running for Senate to represent the College of Engineering—I’m running to help amplify your voices, make sure your concerns are heard, and create an environment where every student has the support they need to succeed.
I believe in the power of collaboration, communication, and community. By working together, we can create a stronger, more connected student body, one where we all have the resources and opportunities to grow—academically, professionally, and personally. Whether it’s ensuring we have better resources, fostering a more inclusive environment, or simply having more open conversations about the challenges we face, I’m committed to being an active, approachable voice for you in the Senate.
I’m excited for the chance to serve and to make an impact. Let’s keep cruising toward a future where the College of Engineering is stronger than ever—together. Thank you for your support! Sincerely, Connor Guthrie
Niles Meltesen
Hello, my name is Niles Meltesen. I am a Civil Engineering and Latin major from Nashville, Tennessee, attending The University of Alabama on a National Merit Finalist scholarship. I am seeking a career in transportation or structural engineering and am running for Senate to contribute to the student experience. If elected, I know I will play a valuable role evidenced by my experience in student government with the First Year Council and in student life with the Greek Programming Board. Throughout my time at UA, I have developed and executed strategic initiatives to improve campus life, and serving in the Senate will be a great avenue to continue this commitment. My platform is centered on three main ideas: expanding student tutoring programs, community outreach, and campus sustainability.
I’ve noticed difficulty accessing the right academic resources, so I will push to extend tutoring service hours and awareness of these services ensuring increased availability for students. I’ve also seen success with events like Battle of the Bands and Al’s Pals, and I believe creating a new SGA-sponsored event will further connect UA with the Tuscaloosa community. Lastly, I will focus on sustainability, ensuring our campus is environmentally friendly and prepared for the next generation of students. I am committed to making UA a better place for all students, and I know my experience and vision will allow me to serve effectively in the Senate.
Owen Rodgers
My name is Owen Rodgers, I am a second-year mechanical engineering student from Tennessee. I am the current treasurer of the United Greek Council that serves special interest fraternities and sororities. I have also previously been involved with undergraduate research in the combustion laboratory. My candidacy stems from my passion for The University of Alabama and my desire to watch the College of Engineering continue to flourish and grow into one the leading programs in the country. I hope to advocate for meaningful change while listening to the concerns of my fellow engineering students. I would like to push for storage space and temporary work environments for smaller engineering/STEM organizations. By advocating for these things, I hope to increase growth among smaller teams and give them an advantage that only larger organizations typically possess.
Connor Wehby
My name is Connor Wehby, and I am honored to be running for SGA Senate. I’m from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and I’m passionate about making a real impact on campus. As a student in the STEM Path to the MBA, Capstone Scholars in Engineering, and the Honors College, I understand the challenges students face—whether in academics, campus life, or student engagement. I’m also involved in Sigma Nu’s Theta Chapter and the Alabama Rocketry Association, where I’ve gained leadership experience and a drive for innovation.
Being an out of state student, I did not know too many people coming in but have come to love the lifestyle and traditions here at the University of Alabama. I am running for Senate to try and preserve the great aspects of our campus and to create a lasting change for the better. Some of my platform points that I am going to push to be implemented is an automatic study group finder for your classes, more late-night food options (especially during finals week), a First-Year Leadership Shadow Program, and more printing stations around campus. I believe that these concepts would improve the academic and personal lives of our students and will be a step towards the best campus we can be. No matter what shape or form it comes in, I want what’s best for our student body and will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Thank you for your consideration!
Kyle Tavarez
Hello UA! My name is Kyle Tavarez. I am a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering with minors in Engineering Positive and Intentional Change (EPIC) and Robotics. I am running for an Engineering Senate seat to represent my colleagues in the College of Engineering and bring change that will benefit the student experience. I want the overall student experience at The Capstone to be elevated, with an emphasis on acquiring a job offer as soon as you graduate! As an active member of the Crimson Formula SAE Racing team and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), I will support all of our amazing engineering student organizations and work to pass legislation to support our student teams. Our student teams are the best and most efficient way to train us for the real engineering world, work in a team environment, and learn real project skills.
The opportunities on this campus are undervalued and not well known. Tools such as professional development events, the career fair, the ECDC, the Stillman College partnership, and dual enrollment are severely undervalued and I hope I can positively impact student’s lives by showcasing and supporting these opportunities. Lastly, the engineering advising process is inefficient and can set new students on the wrong path. To combat this I would like to inform students about their flowchart, dropping a class, testing out of a class, and transferring credits. Thank you and Roll Tide!