Avery Wilson, 19-year-old Political Science major, is Southern University’s newly elected Student Government Association president.
This Baton Rouge native says he is anxious to work for the students and the betterment of the University.
As a part of his campaign platform, Wilson’s Nine Points includes a Security Proaction Program, in which more call boxes and lighting will be added to the campus.
A SGA hotline, which will keep the SGA office “open” 24 hours a day, is a key initiative of Wilson’s policy. An extensive Welcome Freshmen Week and an improved food service are also some of his other hopefuls.
“They’re (initiatives) only effective if the students take part. (Without the students) They’re just ideas, without action. I am a man of action,” said Wilson.
Wilson’s credits his success to God, but most of all, the students who supported him.
He also says his parents, Betty Selmon and J.C. Wilson were his backbone during his campaign.
Wilson says the transition from sophomore class president to SGA president will be a smooth one, though some may doubt it. His age (19) seemed to be a factor in the elections.
“God’s words say ‘So a man believeth, it is.’ At 19, with that faith, I’m sure it can be done. My age doesn’t determine my capability by any means. I can’t wait to prove,” said Wilson.
He said the hardest obstacle during his campaign was getting the students to look beyond organizational ties and affiliations.
“We tend to vote on popularity, everything but the issues. I had to dispel the myths people had and show them that the issues at hand were much more important.”
Wilson hopes to carry on the good works of SGA and give the students what they want.
However, money is an issue. Because of selective admissions taking effect next fall, enrollment and revenue will drastically decrease. He said with creativity and students’ input, homecoming and Springfest will be phenomenal.
Avery Wilson is also currently the president of the National Association of African American Honors Programs and a Dean’s List student.
