Freddie Nelson, a sophomore biology major on the pre-physical therapy track, serves as an SGA senator for the College of Arts & Sciences and pro tempore speaker of the Senate. He is running uncontested to be the next SGA vice president for external affairs.
Q: Why are you running for the position?
A: I’m running for vice president for external affairs because one thing I realized with the Senate this past year is everything I’ve been able to accomplish: I’ve enacted UA Hydrates Day, co-opted the belonging and wellness legislation, and initiated a Senate outreach survey dedicated to providing a space where constituents can easily voice their opinions and concerns to the Senate. I’m excited because it will be rolled out soon and continue into next semester. Seeing what I could do through the Senate and imagining what I could accomplish in an executive position has motivated me to serve my school to the best of my ability.
Q: What are the key parts of your platform?
A: My platform is “Forward With Freddie,” where I will uphold SGA’s motto of “Students Serving Students” and work towards advancing its mission to serve the Tuscaloosa community. My platform has four objectives: Crimson Serve, SGA Accord, Capstone Corner and UA Night Ride.
Q: What are two specific initiatives you want to accomplish the most? And is there a timeframe for them
A: One of the initiatives I’m excited about is the platform point called SGA Accord, which has four key elements: lead, listen, unite and serve. These represent the best aspects of SGA. I believe this initiative will be a great asset, offering transparency and engagement to students and providing a tool for current SGA officers to communicate effectively about what SGA does and how it can help students. Another initiative I’m rolling out is Capstone Corner. It’s a tabling session where all SGA branches and organizations will be represented, creating an open space for students to engage with SGA directly. My goal is to launch it next semester as a once-a-month event. SGA Accord is also something I’ve already started working on, and if elected, I’m ambitious about getting it up and running quickly.
Q: Are there any areas where you feel the current vice president for external affairs could have done more? And how do you plan to build off their work?
A: I think, in general, we can always work to improve what’s already been done. I’ve worked closely with this administration, not as much with the current vice president for external affairs, but I admire the work that he did on the U.S. election. We collaborated on a competition with the University of South Carolina to encourage student voting, and we won. I admired his work through that initiative. I want to build off that while also bringing in my ideas because I genuinely believe what I can accomplish for the 114th administration will be top-notch.
Q: What is your vision for strengthening the relationship between the University and the Tuscaloosa community?
A: That’s my platform point, Crimson Serve. I’m passionate about it because I believe in uniting students and the University to make a more significant impact outside campus. Tuscaloosa is a strong city, and we can create meaningful change. By working with the city council, local charities and nonprofits, I want SGA to establish a centralized form of student volunteer opportunities.
Q: How do you plan to ensure students are heard and feel included in your initiatives?
A: I plan to have students heard and involved through my initiatives, such as the Crimson Serve. I want to create a centralized volunteer hub partnering with BamaPulse to feature SGA-sponsored volunteer opportunities. This will allow students to sign up easily and collaborate with SGA to make an impact on campus.
Cortez: So, listening to the student’s needs and see what changes you can implement.
Nelson: Exactly. I want to work with other organizations to create a more centralized system for students looking to get involved. I know many students, myself included, are always ambitious about participating in something meaningful, and I want to make that process easier.
Q: How will you measure the success of your initiatives and ensure they have a lasting impact?
A: A big part of that will be the SGA Accord. These four attributes — lead, listen, unite and serve — align with what I believe matters most for SGA. I want all SGA officers to embrace this model so we can be more intentional throughout the year. One example is High Tide Day, a great event where students meet SGA representatives and get involved. We signed many students for committees and informed them about Senate and executive opportunities. By pairing events like that with the SGA Accord, we can create more intentional engagement and lasting opportunities for students.
Q: What’s one last thing you want voters to know about you before Tuesday?
A: I want voters to know that I’m Freddie Nelson, and I have the ambition to uphold an exceptional character on all fronts, and that I am a man to get things done. My goal is to leave this university better than I found it. I want to uplift students, be their voice and ensure every student feels represented in my position.
