When you get to know Nicholas Buford you start to think, “This guy may really be President of the United States someday.” Already, Nick is serving students as an SGA Senator and is a current candidate for student body Vice President. I sat down with him to discuss his time at VSU, his plans for SGA, and his future plans.
Nicholas Buford
Hometown: Cordele, GA
Major: Political Science
Classification: Sophomore
HC Valdosta: Why did you choose Valdosta State University?
Nicholas: I chose VSU because I viewed it as a great undergraduate opportunity before heading to law school. This was the first of many schools I was accepted into, and I made my decision to come here early my senior year, right before basketball season started. Now I know that I made the right choice.
HC Valdosta: What clubs and organizations are you involved with?
Nicholas: Currently, I am a member of the Student Government Association (Senator, Legislative Affairs Chairman), VSU Orientation team, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the VSU Model Senate team.
HC Valdosta: What inspired you to get involved with SGA?
Nicholas: I have a heart that likes to serve others and improve society as a whole. I want to use the ability that God has given me to empower others. When I came to VSU, I heard the freshmen elections were coming up and I decided to run. It was one of the first decisions I made as a VSU Blazer and one of the best decisions.
HC Valdosta: Why are you running for Vice President?
Nicholas: After serving two years in the SGA Senate, I was encouraged by others to seek an executive board position. I thought about it and eventually Tyler Barker asked me to be his running mate. We discussed our vision for VSU and I knew he was the best candidate for the Presidency and I was honored he asked me to join his ticket. Voting is on Thursday and Friday on the VSU homepage.
HC Valdosta: What are your plans for VSU if you are elected?
Nicholas: Tyler and I have a platform that is based on student empowerment. My job as VP will be to preside over the Senate. My platform is based on accountability, accessibility, and transparency. I want the SGA as a whole to better cater to student needs so we can improve the student experience at VSU for current and future Blazers.
HC Valdosta: What do you like to do in your free time?
Nicholas: Free time? Between school and work I have very limited free time. But the little free time that I do have is spent watching sports. I am a passionate Auburn Tiger football fan. Even when it’s not college football season, I’m keeping up with the Tigers. Ready for the fall to come simply because that means Auburn football is back.
HC Valdosta: What are your plans after graduation?
Nicholas: After graduation, I plan to go to Washington D.C. to work an internship on Capitol Hill for a few months. Then, I want to attend law school at UGA or Howard University. Corporate or patent law will be my specialty.
HC Valdosta: What do you love most about Valdosta State University?
Nicholas: I love the diversity of the student body at VSU (not just racially, but in thought as well). It’s great being able to meet people from all walks of life. I have met some incredible people here at VSU. The potential I see in some students here is very high.
Now that you know a little bit about Nicholas Buford, it should be obvious that he is the perfect candidate for Vice President! SGA Election is on April 17th at 12:01 a.m. and ends April 18th at 11:59 p.m. on the VSU homepage. Log on and #MoveThatVote!