Empowering UMBC’s Students
For Student Government Association President Scott Nicholson, public service has become a way of life. Service with the SGA and other student organizations has offered him the opportunity to bring about positive changes that will benefit the entire UMBC community.
Nicholson, a native of Los Angeles, California, had never been involved with the SGA before beginning his term as president, but had served the campus as a resident assistant, a tutor and conversation partner for students learning English as a foreign language and a member of University Health Services’ Men Against Violence program. Originally recruited by last year’s SGA President Phil Shockley to be the vice president in Shockley’s successful re-election bid, Nicholson became president after Shockley was appointed to the University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents last fall.
“Before becoming SGA president, I was quick to criticize anything I didn’t like at UMBC,” recalls Nicholson. “But when I had the opportunity to lead the SGA, I realized that students really did have the power to make changes on campus.”
Nicholson’s belief in the SGA’s ability to promote change has produced tangible results over the course of the year. Campus food and student participation in SGA elections have been the two biggest issues that the SGA has tackled this year. Thanks to their efforts working with Dining Services, nutritional information and healthier food choices are now available at campus eateries. The SGA also hopes to set a new record for voter turnout at UMBC with its goal of drawing 5,000 votes for its upcoming elections, being held April 19-23.
“I hope to leave the SGA with a stronger sense of its role representing the needs of UMBC’s undergraduates and have convinced all students that they do have ways of making their voices heard,” says Nicholson, reflecting on his year of service. “Every student has the ability to advocate for change.”
As for Nicholson, he will soon be striking out into the world beyond UMBC. After only three years, he graduates next month with a double major in history and political science. His immediate plans are to spend a year in China teaching English and history in Shanghai. When he returns to the United States, he intends to complete a law degree and pursue a career in politics.
UMBC Student Government Association elections will be held April 19 through 23. For more information, contact SGA at x.5-2220.
