Gadsden, AL – In a spirited rebuttal to the misconception that community colleges lack a rich student experience, Caity Daniel, hailing from Oxford, enthusiastically asserts, “If you want to have fun, you can certainly have fun at a community college.” Currently at the helm as the president of the Student Government Association (SGA) at Gadsden State Community College, Daniel is on a mission to foster unity and enjoyment among students.
Daniel, aged 19, brings a wealth of leadership experience, having previously served as the SGA president at Walter Wellborn High School, where she graduated in 2022. Determined to continue her involvement in campus life, Daniel eagerly embraced the opportunity to lead the SGA at Gadsden State.
“I want to see unity among the various clubs at Gadsden State. We come together and get to know each other. I’m encouraging others to go beyond their club and experience what other clubs have to offer,” she shares with enthusiasm.
Apart from her role as SGA president, Daniel is a member of Baptist Campus Ministries, a resident assistant at Fowler Hall (the College’s on-campus dormitory), and uniquely, Gadsden State’s mascot – Swoop. Describing her experiences as Swoop, she exclaims, “It’s a lot of fun to go to campus events and go out into the community as Swoop. The kids love Swoop. They get very excited when they see Swoop.”
During her first semester as SGA president, Daniel played a pivotal role in events like Get On Board Day, connecting students with on-campus clubs and organizations. Reflecting on the experience, she notes, “I met a lot of people who are willing to help. We’ve seen SGA participation increase. We meet at least once a month to discuss events and ideas.”
Leading the executive committee alongside Sabri Ross and Tanner Boyd, vice presidents for the Gadsden and Ayers campuses, respectively, Daniel has orchestrated successful events such as the Halloween Dance and Christmas Movie Night, fostering a sense of community among Gadsden State students.
“Our events have been a success so far. Everyone especially loved the Halloween Dance. It was so much fun to hang out with other students that night. I met a lot of people I never knew before. We are going to plan more dance parties at Gadsden State,” she expresses.
Beyond her on-campus activities, Daniel is actively involved with Breakaway Ministries and the Dream Center, where she dedicates time to feeding students, teaching Bible lessons, and providing arts and crafts opportunities.
Encouraging her fellow students, Daniel emphasizes, “Get out there and meet people. Develop friendships with those beyond your classes. Find someone you can lean on; someone that will help you build your community.”
While initially considering a major in business, Daniel has since shifted her focus to pursuing a teaching career. She plans to enroll in elementary education at Jacksonville State University after graduating from Gadsden State.
“I couldn’t think of what I would do with a business degree. I asked myself, ‘what’s going to make me happy?’ I have always loved being around children. I decided that education is the right path for me. I had to commit and trust that it would all be OK. So far, I’m pleased with my decision to attend Gadsden State as well as my chosen career path,” she concludes with contentment.
