SMU Campus Weekly sat down with Carlton Adams to ask him questions about himself and his goals for Student Senate this year.
Q: We’ll start with the typical first-year questions: name; where are you from; major; family members; and any pets?
A: “Carlton Adams, senior from Dallas, Texas – about 5 minutes from campus. I am majoring in Economics through Dedman. I am a 3rd generation Mustang, and the youngest of 6 kids (and 2 brother inlaws), and I also have a twin. She goes to TCU… ha. I have two English mastiffs, 185lbs and 150lbs, both girls, Lucy and Sophie.”
Q: How was your summer?
A: “Summer flew by, as most of ours did. I was working for Miramar Holdings for the second summer in a row and had my obligations here at SMU. I met with a lot of services and departments on campus to build up the relationships with administration, faculty and staff. It was a productive summer, but I was always looking forward to the student’s arrival on campus.”
Q: What are you most excited for this school year?
A: “The centennial celebration is going to be really exciting and it is awesome that it is going on while I’m student body president. I recently realized that I’m technically the centennial student body president, and I’m excited to be serving the student body in SMU’s significant centennial year.”
Q: What are your three biggest projects or goals for Student Senate this year?
A: “First and foremost to spread awareness that we are the student government on campus. We aren’t like any other student organization, we aren’t even an organization. We are the students’ governing body and we want to spread that. We also want to make known all of SMU’s resources for students on campus because there’s a lot of things that go on that students don’t know about and miss. We want students to know each and every resource made available to them. And we want to uphold the transparency of Student Senate and what we do – improving the day to day function of student senate chambers and what the senators do, improving diligence and how committees run, and increasing work accomplished. Overall, letting students inside and outside of the chamber know that student’s voices are heard.”
Q: Summarize the purpose of your presidency in one sentence?
A: “To serve each and every student on this campus, whether undergraduate, graduate, Cox, Lyle, Simmons, Meadows, etc. No matter who you are or where you came from, I want to represent and serve you well.”
Q: What do you hope to give to SMU’s student body with your presidency?
A: “Still working on figuring it out. But I want to improve the student experience. I am passionate about improving the day to day student experience on campus. I want to improve the experience for those who come from thousands of miles away and also for those who already are familiar with Dallas. I’m always available for new ideas or just advice on where to eat!”
Q: How do you plan to improve SMU’s Student Senate?
A: “I want to increase awareness of what we do in the senate chambers by writing articles and promoting it. I want people to know who their representatives are, what they are doing, and how things get done. Also, I want people to know that they are welcome to come to sessions and give their input.” (Senate is held every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in the downstairs Forum of Hughes-Trigg)
Q: Where do you see SMU in 5 years?
A: T”he number one private institution in the state of Texas. I mean we already are, but then it will be undisputed.”
Q: One piece of advice for the class of 2019?
A: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Maybe it’s a new sport through intramurals or clubs or joining an interesting student organization – try out what SMU has to offer. But be sure you have fun! It’s college.”
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
A: “I love being on the lake. Wakeboarding, wakesurfing, spending time with friends and family. All the things that come with being at the lake makes it my favorite time.”
