As the Associated Student Body’s spring election season draws close to its end, senior ASB members will retire from their positions on March 31.
While election week highlights new platforms and fresh leadership goals, it also gives current ASB executive membership an opportunity to share their experiences. They are using these last few months to reflect on their time in office and give guidance to those seeking executive positions.
Jack Jones, a senior public policy leadership major from Murray, Ky., serves as ASB president. Prior to assuming ASB’s top elected position, Jones was the president’s chief of staff and vice president.
For Jones, some of the best training for the job came from outside of the executive branch. Jones joined ASB in the fall of his freshman year, winning an open seat election in the ASB senate.
“I think that the most challenging thing about being ASB president is that you were a part of a lot of conversations that started before you became ASB president,” Jones said. “It was helpful for me to start off in the legislative branch and understand ASB better. It’s the area that touches so much of the rest of the organization.”
Jones believes serving as president has taught him to learn from his experiences.
“Everything should be used as a learning opportunity and a learning experience,” Jones said. “I think that’s something that I will take with me throughout the rest of my life. Education never concludes. Everything is an educational opportunity.”
ASB Attorney General Madison Waldrop is a senior integrated marketing communications major from Birmingham, Ala. She also began her ASB journey in the legislative branch as a legislative aide her freshman year.
“This year I was able to serve on the legislative council, which is awesome,” Waldrop said. “It’s full circle being able to end where I started.”
After serving as a legislative aide, Waldrop served as the vice president’s chief of staff before being elected attorney general in March 2025. Waldrop also reflected on how other members of the ASB have impacted her and her experience as an ASB member.
“Being involved in elections my sophomore year to now getting to run the department of justice and oversee (code and constitution) operations and election operations is really special to me,” Waldrop said.
Waldrop also cited the greater ASB community as a catalyst for personal growth.
“Last year, I had the opportunity to serve as Jack (Jones’) chief of staff, and the impact that he had on my leadership was insane,” Waldrop said. “I think being surrounded by people who build you up, on your best (and) on your worst day, is important.”
Diego Abele is a senior political science and philosophy major from Austin, Texas. He serves as ASB judicial chair, but he began his ASB journey as a judicial board member his freshman year.
For Abele, serving in the judicial council for four years was fulfilling.
“It’s been rewarding seeing principles of restorative justice being done in the community,” Abele said.
Abele also offered advice to potential office holders, highlighting the need for candidates to set goals and to rise to the description of their job title.
“We encourage everyone to run, but you really want to make sure you know what’s expected of you, how you can get that done,” Abele said.
Walker Jacklin, a senior public policy leadership and rhetoric major from Madison, Ala., serves as ASB vice president and runs the legislative branch. Jacklin believes students who are interested in ASB should examine their motivations.
“Always run for the right reasons,” Jacklin said. “Make sure that you feel as though you have a plan to make sure that change can occur, and inside that, you also have to prioritize leadership.”
Jacklin shared that although much of the work that goes into ASB executive council may go unrecognized, it is nonetheless fulfilling.
“A lot of people don’t see the side of produced change that comes from being in positions, but also the amount of work it takes to produce it,” Jacklin added. “I always credit Jack (Jones) for our executive group. Executive council is always a cohesive group … that spends a lot of time together and a group that has its weaknesses and strengths.”
ASB President Pro-Tempore Wesley Templet, a senior political science and public policy leadership major from Vacherie, La., encouraged more students to get involved in ASB.
“You have to put yourself out on that stage and do it. It’s worth it,” Templet said. “(ASB) helps you grow as a person and as a leader. No matter what the outcome, you come out learning something and hopefully (are) inspired to continue your work.”
