At Northwestern State University of Louisiana, many students strive to be involved around campus. Some individuals balance classes with numerous organizations. Jackson Gregory, a senior with a major in business administration, is one of these individuals.

One of the many organizations Gregory is involved in is NSU’s Student Government Association. Within SGA, Gregory’s role is the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

“This is the first Supreme Court we’ve had in at least 4 years, before I was here. They just reinstated it, so I’m part of the first Supreme Court back on campus since COVID-19,” Gregory said.

Gregory and the 6 other justices on the SGA Supreme Court were nominated by Bailey Willis, president of SGA. She appointed those who she thought could handle the role of being a justice, as they were to help the Supreme Court be successful again. After she appointed the 7 justices, the SGA senate had to approve her nominations, which then led to the justices voting on a chief justice within themselves.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to be in the Supreme Court and to be the chief justice; I think it’s a great thing for students to have SGA to hold other student organizations accountable,” Gregory said. “I think it’s nice to have all three bodies of the student government working together. It’s a good idea, and I’m glad it’s back.”

On top of attending the weekly meetings and presiding over the Supreme Court, Gregory is expected to deal with certain conflicts SGA faces.

“I’m like the in-house constitution and bylaws expert, so if there’s ever any conflicts with the SGA constitution and by-laws, I offer opinion on that,” Gregory said. “God forbid if we ever have an impeachment here, I’d be over that, and my justices and I would preside over any conflicts between registered student organizations (RSO), so we would hear disputes between student organizations.”

On top of his role as the SGA chief justice of the Supreme Court, Gregory is in the Louisiana Scholars’ College and is the president of NSU’s Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.

“I’m big into law school and legal things. My goal in college has always been to go into law school,” Gregory said. “Just this past fall, I got accepted and received a great scholarship to LSU Law, so I will be going there in the fall.”

As shown through Gregory’s success, being involved on campus can help lead to the achievement of goals. Not only this, but it could even better one’s future career.

“I think anybody coming to college would agree we have a goal beyond college, and I think that being active and involved in college is a great way to learn how to balance your time between your life, friends and social activities with academics and other responsibilities,” Gregory said. “It also looks good on your resume because employers like to see you’re responsible for more than just yourself; leadership positions are a big thing in employment, grad school and more.”

This year has been Gregory’s first time as a member of SGA. Not only did he join SGA, but he got appointed as chief justice. For those interested in joining SGA, Gregory shared some advice.

“Get your voice out there to SGA and show up to a meeting to get your name out there,” he said. “Tell them why you’d be a good fit for the position and why you’re competent and responsible enough to handle it.”

SGA meetings are open to any NSU students who are interested in learning more about the organization or want to voice their opinion. Meetings are every Monday at 6 p.m. in the Lucille Hendricks room in the Friedman Student Union. Although it is closed for this current semester, filings for a senator position are held in the spring for any students who want to join.