Meet Mahadia Islam: Augusta University’s new SGA president

While most students are beginning their summer breaks, Mahadia Islam is preparing for a productive summer to lead the undergraduate Student Government Association.

Islam was elected SGA president April 17 along with four other Executive Cabinet positions.

She grew up in Buford, Georgia. Once she graduated high school, she decided to start a new chapter at Augusta University for several reasons.

“I was not involved in high school at all,” Islam said. “So I challenged myself to get more involved. It was actually surprising and makes me really happy. I joined several clubs immediately during my freshman year.

“I chose AU because of all the opportunities they could provide,” she said. “Especially the opportunities within the medical district.”

Islam is a junior majoring in kinesiology and plans to attend physical therapy school after she completes her degree.

“I enjoy science and I want to work with people directly,” she said. “After I volunteered at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, I found out that I wanted to go into health care. This semester I completed my practicum class. After that experience, I genuinely knew I wanted to become a physical therapist.”

Islam has served the university in many capacities, including being a resident assistant for Housing and one of the vice presidents on the Jaguar Production Crew, the university’s main student programming board. She mentions how The CREW prepared her to take on her new leadership role.

“I became a general member on The CREW my freshman year,” she said. “Since then, The CREW really helped me discover leadership. Because of them, I felt I was prepared for this.”

She encourages students to join organizations where they can be actively involved. Islam mentioned one of the benefits is the opportunity to interact with campus leadership.

“The CREW also introduced me to staff members that I’m now connected to such as our SGA Advisor Joe Pierce.”

Islam and the other elected officials on the Executive Cabinet were notified of their new roles via a group Microsoft Teams meeting. Although this was different than the traditional announcement on the porch of Bellevue Hall, Islam remains optimistic for a successful year during her tenure as president.

“It feels very surreal,” she said. “I look forward to seeing what happens by filling this role. I’m really excited.

“My biggest platform is safety on campus. I’ve heard issues from students, residents and experienced things myself,” Islam said. “I want all campuses to become safer. This is the main reason I ran for SGA President.”

One of her first priorities will be working the appropriate channels to provide more surveillance devices in parking lots and other loosely monitored locations where potential crimes may occur.

“I’d like to see cameras installed in more places, such as residence halls and parking lots. Cameras provide prevention through deterrence, and support for law enforcement in case something happens,” Islam said.

They are also looking into providing more charging stations for students and their devices across campus.

Islam also mentioned that SGA is still accepting applications for open seats to fill the Senate. The Senate is comprised of student representatives from each academic college.

Those interested may contact Islam or Luke Yelton.

The SGA Senate meets biweekly at 5 p.m. on Mondays during the fall and spring semesters in the Jaguar Student Activities Center Hardy Meeting Room. Every meeting is open to all students to observe or present new business.

Other elected officials for SGA’s Executive Cabinet include:

• Luke Yelton, vice president-elect
• Gabriella Allen, secretary-elect
• Puja Punukollu, comptroller-elect

Learn more about Student Government at Augusta University.