Jimmeshia Wilder, one of two candidates for USGA president. Photo by Ian Keel/Photo Editor
Sufia Alam
Campus Reporter
Wilder is a junior in political science and a student-athlete with the women’s track team and hopes to use her background as a source of empowerment and experience. The main inspiration behind her candidacy is her passion and admiration for UAB and what it offers and a strong desire to put power back in the hands of students.
Wilder serves on UAB’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was an intern with the senior athletic director. She said she hopes to use her experience serving in an advisory role and working with generating funding for scholarships, capital projects and facilities to aid her in making the best decisions for the student body as USGA president.
“In my years in college thus far, I have dedicated myself to the betterment of others,” she said. “If you looking for a person who is devoted to creating better opportunity and environment for you then I am highly qualified.”
Wilder also hopes to address diversity on campus and to create a sense of unity as an undergraduate class.
“As an African-American woman, I am still a minority,” Wilder said. “Instead of allowing this to hinder me, it encourages me to take advantage of every opportunity presented to me.”
Wilder is the programs coordinator for the USGA. According to her, this role allowed her to create events centered on major issues faced by students. These included typical issues such as dining and parking but also included societal issues, such as racism, gun violence, mental health and LGBT equality. Wilder said that organizing these events is what let her know what issues students are facing and allowed her to become aware of what students want.
“While UAB boasts one of the most diverse and intellectual campuses in the United States, there is much improvement to be done in the sectors of unity, student life and academics on our campus,” she said.
Wilder said that while the structure of the current USGA has a good foundation, current aspects has room for improvement. As president, she wants to give every student a voice and improve the relationship between the student body and the USGA.
“I believe that Jimmeshia would be a great candidate for USGA president because she is always willing to go that extra mile to help out others in need,” said Kandiss Briggs, senior in industrial distribution and marketing. “She is selfless, generous and she cares about the well-being of the whole.”
Students who would like to learn more about Wilder’s platform can contact her at [email protected]
