Alex Nelson is a senior Political Science major with a minor in Criminal Justice from Memphis, Tennessee.
He has aspirations of sitting in the Senate for the state of Tennessee, along with being the speaker of the house at some point during his professional career. He is also active on campus in organizations such as Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Inc.(AKPsi), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.(PBS) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Throughout Nelson’s UT Martin career, he has found himself receiving many opportunities to travel to different conferences and leadership meetings.
Nelson said, “I’ve had the privilege of attending both the 54th and 55th Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature conventions. Additionally, I was fortunate enough to be flown to Washington, D.C., to attend the Congressional Black Caucus as part of a fraternity event.”
Nelson reflected on these experiences speaking to the different people who he has had the privilege of speaking to along with being able to build connections outside UT Martin.
“My favorite memory from attending the Tennessee collegiate legislator program was the opportunity to meet like-minded students from across the state of Tennessee,” Nelson said.
“We explored our shared passion for the lawmaking process. Attending the Congressional Black Caucus forum in Washington, D.C., allowed me the opportunity to meet congresswomen, Jasmine Crockett and Rashida Talib.
“It also allowed me to network with other members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.,” he added.
During his undergraduate journey, Nelson joined many different organizations to better familiarize himself with different aspects of life, along with building communities with people he may have never spoken to outside of it.
Nelson said, “Alpha Kappa Psi has equipped me for my professional life beyond college by imparting essential interview etiquette and resumé writing skills. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. has molded me into a compassionate individual who not only gives back to my community but also aspires to be a leader within it.”
Nelson also built many connections with fellow UT Martin students who helped him deal with the everyday struggles that come with college. He discussed the stress that he sometimes experiences when he has overextended himself, and described the inspirations he has found on campus that helped him strive to do better in different areas of his life.
“My biggest inspirations have been my fraternity brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and our sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. These individuals have helped me find a sense of belonging here at UT Martin, and have supported me through hard times. I would like to give a special shoutout to Jaden Jones and Regina Johnson. Both of these individuals have motivated me to keep going even when times have gotten hard,” Nelson said.
Nelson also talked about the UT Martin faculty who have helped him throughout his UT Martin journey.
“My academic advisor, Dr. Christopher Baxter, has continuously supported me throughout my academic career here at UT Martin by providing the best advice on how to approach certain classes and has always pushed me to excel in the field of political science,” Nelson said.
As Nelson begins preparations for his final semester, he has begun to start listing his post-graduation plans.
“Once I graduate in the spring, I hope to attend graduate school to continue my education in the field of political science, to obtain my master’s in Public Administration…
“So far, I have put in applications for two graduate schools, the University of South Carolina and the University of Texas A&M, and in doing so I hope that I can continue my education and learn about what makes a great public administrator,” Nelson said.
Finally, Nelson left students with a few words of advice: “Be yourself and enjoy the moment.”
