History was made at Alabama State University on Sept. 6, as Student Government Association Executive President and Birmingham native, Landon Hale, was formally sworn in for a second term. Hale is the first executive president to hold the office twice.
The Presidential Inauguration Ceremony started at 6 p.m. in the John Garrick Hardy Student Union in Ballroom A. The event allowed the student body to observe as the four executive officers were sworn in as well as senators and other executive appoints.
Joining Hale as executive officers was Executive Vice President Kameelah Freeman, Executive Treasurer Dejuan Trottman and Executive Secretary Carmella Sanders. Each executive member as well as senators and chief of staff was sworn in by Chief Justice Ashley Griffin.

During his speech, Hale reflected on his unexpected path to leadership.
“I had no idea what I wanted to do when I came to Alabama State as a high school senior,” Hale said. “I originally aspired to be a physical therapist, and you see how that went. That’s out the window now.”
Hale described his decision to join SGA as a freshman intern, saying, “I found myself here on Aug. 1, 2021, by myself, taking a leap of faith.”
A pivotal moment in his journey was a conversation with a mentor the day before his first class.
“He asked me, ‘What do you want to do here at Alabama State?’ I told him I wanted to make a difference and create a legacy,” Hale shared. Inspired by past SGA presidents and the desire to leave his own mark, he eventually earned the support of the student body and became the SGA President in April 2023.
Hale coined the term “Legacy Administration” for his team, explaining that their mission was to “lead through service, with a standard of excellence.”
He concluded by expressing his gratitude. “I want to thank my mom, my family and my girlfriend Summer, who has always been in my corner. I also want to thank my mentors and my fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, for molding me into the man I am today,” he said, giving special thanks to his supporters.
Freeman also reflected on her journey.
“If you asked me as a freshman what my senior year would look like, I am not sure what I would have said, but I am sure I would not have predicted how blessed I am to be in this position right now,” Freeman said. She recounted a dream she had as a freshman about becoming vice president. “I literally took this plan and ran with it,” Freeman added, explaining how she pursued the role, despite losing her initial run for secretary.
Her resilience paid off when she was offered the role of chief of staff shortly after her loss.
“I am so glad I took that leap of faith, and the ASU student body embraced me,” she remarked. Freeman expressed gratitude to her family, friends and mentors, saying, “To my family, I hope I continue to make you proud. To my friends and sorority, thank you for believing in me when I could not believe in myself.”
Looking to the future, Freeman expressed her commitment to servant leadership.
“I am excited to continue to advocate and work for the student body, and most of all, I am excited to leave a legacy of servant leadership done with the spirit of excellence,” she said.
Musical performances and testimonials from students and participants added to the event’s significance.

“The song is really about how God brings you over obstacles and tribulations, and how He will never leave you,” Collins said.
Collins continued.
“I think the event was very classy and very well put together … I think it was just a great time.”
Several students shared their thoughts on the inauguration.
Shikeria Williams, a sophomore bio pre-health major, attended the ceremony to support her friend, A’Vandia Fedd, who was sworn into the Legacy Administration. Fedd also introduced Freeman before her address.
“This is the first inauguration ceremony I’ve been to as an ASU student,” Williams said. “I think it was pretty good. I really did enjoy the festivities and the community of the event. I enjoyed the promises that we heard in the speeches from the executive vice president and the president. I’m very excited to see what the Legacy Administration is going to do for this following school year.”
Sophomore Moses Tyree III, a communications major and newly sworn-in university college senator, shared his excitement about joining the SGA.
“This inauguration was very special and amazing,” Tyree III said. “It was very special to me because as a participant in the inauguration, I took the oath to become a member of the SGA as a university college senator. I am very proud and excited for this administration. I want to thank the president and vice president for allowing me the opportunity to be a freshman intern and guide me along the way.
Kareem Bennett, a sophomore accounting major and member of the Executive Committee, reflected on the event.
“I felt that the inauguration was a very special thing,” Bennett said. “It gave us insight into the SGA, and when they made their speeches, I felt like it was a great day. Something I hope the community takes away is that we’re all people as well, even though we serve positions in the school, and that we’re here to serve and we’re here to help out.”