As a young freshman political science major, Nia Ailshie attended a new campus event hosted by SGA, Deeper Connections. This particular panel was a discussion on the Israel-Hamas war, a topic that Ailshie was very interested in learning more about. It was in this moment that Ailshie knew she wanted to run for SGA president. Ailshie felt that this topic was an important issue that we needed to be able to discuss as both Christians and college students. She wanted to be able to facilitate interpersonal discussions on “hot topics” in the future to encourage students to learn more about the topic and foster understanding.
Ailshie is a familiar face around campus. You may see her studying in the library plaza, or walking on the treadmill in the wellness center, or you might have passed her practicing for Chicken n’ Pickle. Although you may recall her name, there is more to her than just being the face of the student body.
Ailshie’s path to Milligan may catch some off guard, but it just might be the key factor that makes her a well-rounded president and better able to relate to all the different groups of students on campus. While she is not an athlete herself, she was brought to Milligan on an athletic scholarship to help with logistics and team operations for the cross country and track and field teams.
“If it were not for the athletic department, athletic scholarships and Chris Layne, I would not be at Milligan,” says Ailshie.
Being SGA president is not an easy role, filled with a lot of responsibility and attention, but Ailshie feels that her life up to this point has prepared her to be able to lead with integrity, humility and passion.
“I think that being involved in local and state politics has taught me many of these skills,” she says. “Door knocking has taught me how to talk to anyone about anything. Being approachable and relatable is a part of the job.”
Additionally, Ailshie says that her strong roots in the church have helped her to not only find and better herself but also relate to and show grace to others.
“I grew up in church, and I just want to emphasize I’m not perfect, no one is. But because of God and people who have shown me grace throughout my life, I feel like I am in the position to relate to other people who have also fallen short.”
Community is one of the pillars at Milligan. Students have the opportunity to live with like-minded individuals and walk with them to build personal relationships throughout their college experiences. Ailshie feels that the community at Milligan is what makes this university special, and she wants to contribute to and further advance the thriving, close-knit community at Milligan.
“To me, community means walking down my hall, knocking on my residents’ doors to see how they’re doing, then staying for an hour to talk about Harry Styles. I just really want to serve people. We can’t do it alone; nobody can succeed alone,” she says.
Nia’s dedication to fostering community on campus is apparent with the number of students she has had a positive impact on and how highly many speak of her.
“I know that I can talk to Nia about anything,” says junior Delia Ard. “She is so intelligent and beautiful on the inside and the outside, and is the most dedicated and hard-working person I know! I love the way she cares so deeply for her family and her friends. I am so grateful for our friendship.”
After her presidency, Ailshie wants to be known as someone who “got things done.” She wants to be someone who helped her campus community in all aspects, from academics to sports to campus life.
“I really want to bridge the gap between students and administration. I don’t feel like students are fully aware of what the administration wants to do for the students and how much they care about the good of the student body. An example of how I am trying to accomplish this is the Town Hall event with Rich Aubrey to address the recent changes to some of the academic programs.”
Yes, Ailshie may have a hefty resumé and a big agenda that she wants to address during her presidency, but above all, she wants to be someone everyone can talk to and form personal connections with.
“If you ever have a concern, question or comment, feel free to stop me any time!”
Disclaimer: This story was written by a member of the Milligan Cross Country & Track and Field Team.
Cover Photo: Nia working the AAC Track and Field Conference Championships