After students spent much of the last academic year apart, new Student Government Association President Demon Thomas is ready to help his classmates reconnect and re-engage with campus. With a platform centering on social justice, unity and peace, Thomas says his goal is to put students of color first to provide a better living and learning experience. He's also hoping to create new school traditions and connect the campus community through school pride, stronger communication and collaborations.
“I'm creating this environment around happy, positive energy,” Thomas said. “When you’re in this leadership role, you have the power to speak positively and get things done.”
Thomas hopes to use his leadership role to improve student engagement and to eliminate any societal division.
“Being president, I have the opportunity to use my voice and platform to reach faculty, staff and students beyond a surface level. I am the eyes and ears of the student body so it is important I speak up for the marginalized,” Thomas said. One of the many planned projects includes a campus BIPOC advocacy week. Thomas and Vice President Aryelle Jacobsen's other initiatives are focused on divestment from fossil fuels, accessibility, partnerships and mental health advocacy. Students and faculty are invited to attend SGA weekly meetings from 9 – 11 p.m. every Wednesday in Highsmith Student Union, room 228/229.
Thomas is also turning his positive attitude towards fun events and activities on campus, starting with Bulldog Days, which will take place on the 19th and 27th of every month, honoring UNC Asheville’s founding in 1927. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to celebrate Bulldog Days by wearing their bulldog blue or UNC Asheville gear. Other events will include a Spring Fling dance in 2022 for students who missed their prom due to COVID; Dress It Up Wednesdays with the Career Center and Greek life, encouraging students to wear their business casual; an LGBTQ+ mixer; and more.
Thomas’ role as SGA president follows a history of involvement on campus, starting with his class presidency in high school in Charlotte, NC, and including roles in the Order of Pisgah, the Key Center, Umoja, the Black Student Association, and working as an RA in the Sankofa Learning Community and as a student ambassador. A mass communication and sociology double major with a minor in Africana studies, Thomas also interned with the S.T.E.M. Fun-Packs 2021 initiative during the summer of 2021.
“I’m very blessed to be president, and am privileged to be in school,” Thomas said. “To me UNC Asheville is the best school in the mountain region and UNC system. UNCA is a quality school, and it’s pretty cool that I have the opportunity to show other students what I see UNCA as.”
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