Meet the 2024-2025 Allied Health SGA Senators
Posted on January 28, 2025 by CAHP
The Student Government Association is the voice and governing body of the students. Between several different branches and committees, every member aims 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.
Let’s get to know more about the 2024-2025 Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health
Professions SGA Senators!
Olivia Breisacher
Where are you from?
Bay St. Louis, MS
What is your major?
Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Philosophy
Why did you choose your major?
I chose to major in biomedical sciences because the program integrates many scientific disciplines, such as biology, chemistry and physiology. These subjects excite me and also align perfectly with my long-term goal of attending dental school!
What led you to choose South?
I chose South Alabama for many reasons! The University of South Alabama offers a wide range of academic programs and has a dedicated faculty committed to helping students succeed. Located right on the Gulf Coast in Mobile, Alabama, it was the perfect location for me! As an incoming student, I was also pleased to learn that USA provides plenty of support services, such as career development, tutoring, and advising, to ensure all students are set up for a successful college experience. Lastly, there is something for everyone to get involved in on campus ranging from sports, clubs, honor societies, Greek life, and of course, student government—there is no shortage of ways to connect and get active!
What inspired you to be a part of South’s Student Government Association?
I was inspired to be a part of SGA because I wanted to play an active role in shaping the student experience at South Alabama. Being a part of SGA allows me to represent my peers, advocate for meaningful change, and contribute to creating a better campus environment. I have always had a passion for leadership and working with others to make a difference, and SGA offers the perfect opportunity to do that. It is also a great way to connect with like-minded students and faculty while helping to improve our university community!
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 the importance of effective communication and collaboration. Working with diverse groups of people has taught me how to listen to different perspectives, find common ground, and work together toward shared goals. I have also developed a better understanding of leadership, time management, and advocacy!
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduating, I plan to attend dental school!
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
Outside of class and studying, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family, baking, and staying active!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have 8 siblings and a pet hamster named Turbo!
Jackson Fitch
Where are you from?
Thorsby, Alabama
What is your major?
Biomedical Sciences
Why did you choose your major?
I have been interested in working in the healthcare field ever since my junior year of high school. Once I decided to pursue a degree related to this field, I knew I would have to start thinking about what aspect of health I wanted to practice. I narrowed it down to oncology and clinical pathology. With some independent research I discovered the BMD program at South! The degree requirements, electives, and prerequisites for the MCAT/medical school meshed perfectly together, and I knew this was the degree path that would help me achieve my goals!
What led you to choose South?
South stood out to me from the beginning of my college search! The BMD program, campus involvement opportunities, and friends with great experiences (that were upperclassmen at the time), all gained my attention. By my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a doctoral degree after undergrad and South is home to one of two colleges of medicine in the state! All of this led to my attendance of a USA Day that was being hosted in the Fall of 2021. After going on a tour and hearing about the student experience, the history of the institute, and the exciting things to come, I was sold!
What inspired you to be a part of South’s Student Government Association?
Every peer I had freshman year stressed how important it was to get involved and to not lock myself in the dorm studying whenever I was outside of class. I took this to heart and reflected on the organizations I was involved with and led in high school and sought out to find something that related to those experiences and that I could pour my talents into. That's where I found the First Year Council (FYC)! I submitted an application and underwent an interview process where I was selected to serve and became part of the Campus Safety and Improvement Committee. Becoming involved with this branch of SGA illuminated my passion for service and inspired me to stay involved by serving as an associate justice and currently an allied health senator!
What is something you have learned as an SGA senator that you will likely use outside
of college?
Communication gets things done! Being a part of the Allied Health Senate is being a part of a team. In order to perform our job and serve to the best of our ability, we must communicate with each other and with others. Communication within our team has been stellar and has led to multiple bills being presented and passed just this semester!
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
I mainly enjoy hanging out with friends, and that can look like anything from staying in and watching a movie to finding a new recipe to cook or getting out and finding something interesting to do in Mobile. I am an active member in Greek life and enjoy attending KA events with my fellow brothers. I also work as a pharmacy technician part time, so that does take some time off my hands during the week.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
My favorite animal is Perry the Platypus.
Crimson Harrison
Where are you from?
Calera, AL
What is your major?
Professional Health Sciences
Why did you choose your major?
It aligned with the prerequisites needed for occupational therapy school.
What led you to choose South?
I felt welcomed by all of the people here, and it had an occupational therapy program that I was interested in attending after graduation. I also loved the campus and its location!
What inspired you to be a part of South’s Student Government Association?
I was inspired to join SGA because I wanted to make an impact on my campus community. I saw it as an opportunity to represent my peers, advocate for their needs, and work towards positive change. Being involved in SGA allows me to engage with diverse perspectives, collaborate on initiatives, and help create an inclusive environment where all students feel heard and valued. I believe that student leadership is crucial for campus culture, and I wanted to be a part of that mission.
What is something you have learned as an SGA senator that you will likely use outside
of college?
As an SGA senator, I've learned the importance of effective communication and collaboration. Engaging with diverse groups and addressing various perspectives has enhanced my ability to listen actively and advocate for others. These skills are invaluable in any professional setting, as they foster teamwork, build relationships, and help navigate challenges. I’ll carry this experience into my future career, where collaboration and clear communication will be essential for success.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on attending graduate school for occupational therapy.
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
I enjoy walking the nature trails around campus, attending Cottage Hill Baptist Church, and playing card games with friends!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have spent three of my birthdays in a different country!
MacKenzie Morrison
Where are you from?
Brewton, AL
What is your major?
Speech and Hearing Sciences
Why did you choose your major?
I chose speech and hearing sciences to become a speech-language pathologist. I have a heart that cares deeply for others, and this career is best suited for me to make a difference in the lives of many in all age groups and their families. I want to give back to my community and surrounding areas by improving the lives of these patients and educating their families.
What led you to choose South?
I chose South as it is one of the few places in the state that, with a specific undergraduate degree, follows the track for speech graduate school. Once I toured the Speech & Hearing Clinic, I was sold, I knew this was where I was supposed to be.
What inspired you to be a part of South’s Student Government Association?
I was an officer in SGA at my community college, and I really enjoyed being a part of something that was bigger than myself and truly making a difference on campus. So, when I came to South, I knew SGA was something I wanted to be a part of to continue to cultivate my leadership skills and experience.
What is something you have learned as an SGA senator that you will likely use outside
of college?
Something that I have learned as an SGA senator is to seek out opportunities. This is a valuable skill for career searching and life as a whole as not every once-in-a-lifetime thing is just in plain sight. Sometimes you have to do a little looking.
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being an active member of my church, freshwater fishing, and antique shopping.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’m an only child!
TaNiyah Wallace
Where are you from?
Gulfport, MS
What is your major?
Professional Health Sciences
Why did you choose your major?
I believe that it sets me up to pursue any field in healthcare. Personally, I would like to work on the administrative side of the healthcare system, and this major sets me up to do just that.
What led you to choose South?
I chose South because it is not too far from home, and it was the most affordable for my family. Being in a service area, southern Mississippi, South offered me in-state tuition, along with tons of scholarships.
What inspired you to be a part of South’s Student Government Association?
I wanted to be a part of SGA because I believe that it provides a unique platform to amplify student voices and work collaboratively on initiatives that improve the student experience. My goal is to make sure everyone's concerns are heard and to help foster a positive, inclusive environment for all.
What is something you have learned as an SGA senator that you will likely use outside
of college?
Since becoming a senator, I have been able to polish my professionalism skills. There are so many different people in SGA and you create relationships with people from different colleges, whom otherwise, you would not come into contact with. I love being able to learn from different people and getting a view of the different cultures around South’s campus.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on staying at South and getting my master's degree in public administration with a concentration in healthcare administration.
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
Outside of class and studying, I like hanging out with my friends and shopping.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about me is that I graduated college before graduating high school.