Meet the 2023-2024 Allied Health SGA Senators
Posted on December 1, 2023 by CAHP
The Student Government Association is the voice and governing body of the students. Between several different branches and committees, the members aim to continuously provide, represent and commit to making the University of South Alabama a better place for the student body. Within the legislative branch, each college has appointed senators that set goals of implementing new initiatives, supporting other organizations and improving their respective colleges through senate projects. In addition, the Senate provides a forum open to all students for the discussion of university-wide issues every Monday night at 8 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
The Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions SGA senators currently have several ongoing initiatives as an effort to improve the campus life for students. Some of these jobs include campus cleanups, helping with the coordination of parking ticket forgiveness day and more. Let’s get to know the 2023-2024 Covey College of Allied Health Professions SGA Senators!
Connor Lewis
Where are you from?
Florence, AL
What is your major?
Biomedical Sciences (BS) & English (BA)
Why did you choose your major?
BMD serves as an ideal track for pre-medicine — but more than that, I find its underlying
subjects interesting and ultimately insightful to the beauty of life. For reasons
similar to the latter, I am double majoring in English, which focuses on language
and emotion and acts as a fine complement to my otherwise scientific studies.
What led you to choose South?
Both my parents attended USA, and I needed only one tour to, like them, fall in love
with the University's campus and community. Additionally, I was very fortunate to
be accepted to the College of Medicine Early Acceptance Program during my senior year
of high school, which settled my decision beyond doubt.
What inspired you to be a part of South’s Student Government Association?
Initially, SGA represented for me a gateway to student leadership and campus
involvement — two pursuits that I was keen to follow. Today, however, I am proud to be serving my second term with SGA, which I now recognize as a larger vehicle for positive change and student advocacy.
What is something you have learned as an SGA senator that you will likely use outside
of college?
I have learned to appreciate the time and effort that is required of all functioning
organizations, even at the student level. I feel that perspective is key to a happy
and balanced life, and I can thank SGA for expanding my own throughout these past
two years.
What are some upcoming events the Student Government Association is hosting that people
should know about?
Each semester our Campus Safety Committee hosts several campus cleanups, to which
all are to welcome!
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
I like to work out, play basketball, and watch TV — and, of course, hang out with
my friends!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have a black belt in taekwondo!
Belle Chism
Where are you from?
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
What is your major?
Radiologic Sciences with a minor in Psychology
Why did you choose your major?
I chose to major in radiologic sciences because I want to become a radiation therapist.
What led you to choose South?
I chose South for many reasons. First, I knew I wanted to become a radiation therapist,
and South is the only university in Alabama with a four-year radiology degree. Second,
I loved the size of the campus. I always say that it is not too big, but not too small.
Lastly, it is close to the beach and that is where I grew up.
What inspired you to be a part of South’s Student Government Association?
I wanted to be a part of SGA so I could be a voice for my college. I was a part of
SGA in my high school and loved every second of it. When I heard they had senator
positions, I knew immediately I wanted to run for it. Being able to be a voice for
my college is so rewarding.
What is something you have learned as an SGA senator that you will likely use outside
of college?
As an SGA senator, I have learned that coming together as a "college" or outside,
as friends, can impact whatever you desire.
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
Outside of class and studying, I like watching movies, hanging out with friends, going
to the Rec Center spin classes, and eating at Soul Bowlz!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love going to concerts and listening to music!
Crimson Harrison
Where are you from?
Calera, AL
What is your major?
Professional Health Sciences
Why did you choose your major?
It was a major that aligned with courses needed for occupational therapy school!
What led you to choose South?
I chose it because I knew I wanted to go to occupational therapy school, and South
has such an amazing program!
What inspired you to be a part of South’s Student Government Association?
I wanted to make an impact within my school and specifically my related college!
What is something you have learned as an SGA senator that you will likely use outside
of college?
I have learned a lot about leadership abilities and working with different types of
people! It is a fun way to work with people you don’t typically see on a day-to-day
basis and is definitely a skill I’ll use in the workplace!
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
I enjoy walking the nature trails! I walk the trails several times a week and to feel
reconnected with nature.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about me is I have spent three of my birthdays in a different country!
Maddie Edgar
Where are you from?
Fairhope, AL
What is your major?
Professional Health Sciences with a concentration in Healthcare Management
Why did you choose your major?
My goal is to become a physician assistant, I chose my major based on this. I have
always been interested in going into the health field and a major in professional
health sciences is a perfect fit for what I want to do. The program offers broad information
in health-related disciplines while incorporating management and communications. I
think this balance is important for being a PA, I believe it will allow me to effectively
care and communicate with my patients. I find my major very rewarding - especially
when linked with volunteer work!!
What led you to choose South?
My mom went to South, and she always pushed me to go here. It never really caught
my eye until I toured, so that was when I realized how much South had to offer. I
ended up canceling my other tours at other colleges because I loved it here so much.
I kind of just knew I wanted to be here. When I toured South it was beautiful, the
people were friendly, and the health sciences programs really caught my attention.
But most importantly, I felt I could really be myself here and grow as an individual.
I think college is really tough and it's important to find a place that you can grow
in but also that grows with you. South is perfect in that way, they really adapt to
the student lifestyle and want everyone to feel like it is their home. I really noticed
that South Alabama made it a point to make every student feel they had a place. I
admire that about this University. I can confidently say now that I have grown in
a tremendous way through this University, and that it has also grown with me. I wouldn't
change anything about the decision I made.
What inspired you to be a part of South’s Student Government Association?
I have always been interested in leadership positions and having the opportunity to
make a difference in my community. When applications came out my freshman year, I
decided to run for a Senate seat in Allied Health just to really see what SGA was
about - I honestly didn't have much knowledge other than what some of my sorority
sisters had told me about their time in SGA. I was inspired by how others talked highly
of SGA and FYC - I realized soon after my application how much of a difference I really
could make on this campus and specifically for the College of Allied Health. I was
eager to respond to the ideas of others, helping to improve them and making something
real out of them in SGA. After my first year in SGA, I did exactly that and enjoyed
it so much that I ran again my sophomore year. So, this is my second year serving
as a senator, and I am so grateful I took a step out of my comfort zone and tried
something new I had never done before.
What is something you have learned as an SGA senator that you will likely use outside
of college?
The most important things I believe will carry on with me that I have learned while
being a SGA senator is preparation, execution and accountability — I believe these
skills will remain vitally important to my career as a PA and in life in general.
In life, you constantly have to be prepared, execute, and have accountability.
What are some upcoming events the Student Government Association is hosting that people should know about?Parking ticket forgiveness day is always a big one that students love!
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
Outside of class and studying, I'm involved in various organizations on campus - like
SGA, serving as Vice President of the Pre-PA Society, a member of my sorority Phi
Mu, an Honors College student, and a member of AED. You will probably see me hanging
out with my friends, walking my dog, or going to the gym in my free time.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’m an only child!
Olivia Breisacher
Where are you from?
Bay St. Louis, MS
What is your major?
Biomedical Sciences
Why did you choose your major?
I chose to major in BMD because I have always enjoyed biology and chemistry, and I
felt a degree in BMD was a nice mix of the two. All of the courses I could take with
BMD not only caught my attention but also made me feel such an excitement for learning!
I have also always wanted to go into healthcare post-graduation, so BMD was the perfect
choice for me!
What led you to choose South?
I chose South for many reasons! A few of the reasons for choosing South include the
College of Allied Health, the beautiful campus, all of the opportunities to get involved
on campus with student organizations or volunteering, research opportunities, the
size of the student body, and the location! South checked many boxes, but now that
I am a junior, I can confidently say that this University has shown me so many more
wonderful aspects that I am beyond thankful to have!
What inspired you to be a part of South’s Student Government Association?
I wanted to be able to make a lasting impact on not only the College of Allied Health,
but also South's campus! SGA provides the opportunity to make these changes while
also being the voice for important issues that affect myself and all of my fellow
peers!
What is something you have learned as an SGA senator that you will likely use outside
of college?
Since a major aspect of SGA is supporting the student experience, as senators we have
to support all colleges on campus, along with the college we represent. Therefore,
being a senator for SGA has taught me how to be fair in decision making while also
standing up for causes that I personally care about. Outside of college it is important
to account for other's opinions but also be sure to achieve your own personal goals!
What are some upcoming events the Student Government Association is hosting that people
should know about?
Parking Ticket Forgiveness Day every semester allows students to donate items to a
local cause in place of paying for a parking ticket.
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
I enjoy being involved on campus! I am of course a senator for SGA, Secretary for
the Pre-Dental Society, Vice President and Social Media Chair for the Diamond Girls,
a research team member for Dr. Jonathan Perez in the biology department, and I work
3 jobs! Outside of anything school or work related, I love to relax with friends and
family, travel, read, and bake!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have 8 siblings (5 brothers and 3 sisters) and my biggest fear is aliens!