Samad Gillani was like any other excited freshman, ready to start his journey at The University of Alabama and eager to see what kind of impact he could make on the Capstone. When he attended Get on Board Day, one table really caught his attention: the Student Government Association (SGA). Samad had always been involved with student government in some capacity growing up in Hoover, Alabama, so this felt like the right place to focus his time and energy.
“I grew a deep passion for wanting to make sure students knew it was their right and their responsibility to …be active in their communities,” he said.
After completing the application and interview process, Samad was chosen to represent his residence hall, Presidential Village, as a member of the First Year Council for the 2021-2022 academic year. This experience gave him the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the organization and better understand the role of SGA in supporting students at the Capstone.
“My experience on the First Year Council … was absolutely amazing. You get to find a family – a second family. It was a home away from home. It had given me the opportunity to be in a room with so many like-minded individuals who are all driven and passionate about the same thing,” he said.
Samad was dedicated to giving back to his freshman community in meaningful ways. It was important to him that his peers felt valued and that their contributions to campus life were recognized. Driven by a desire to continue making a positive impact, he knew he wanted to stay involved with the SGA. Samad initially served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the 111th Martin administration, a role that deepened his understanding of the different branches of government. His senior year, Samad served as SGA president, a position he expresses immense gratitude for, and he remains committed to making a difference for his peers.
“[SGA is] not just one day in the classroom, one year on the campus, four years on the campus. It’s relationships that will last a lifetime. That’s what I’ve gotten to find here,” he said.
Samad believes the skills he gained through SGA made him a more effective communicator, both personally and professionally. He feels these soft skills enabled him to collaborate better with others by recognizing that everyone is unique and building meaningful connections is essential.
“It’s helped me be a more well-rounded student at the Capstone, helping me learn more about myself, more about how I want to serve others in the future, going forward as well. It also just wraps in with my professional aspirations,” he said.
A highlight of Samad’s role as SGA president is collaborating with campus administrators, particularly with Dr. Steven Hood, the vice president for Student Life. Samad says the strong relationship they developed, along with observing Dr. Hood’s daily impact, inspired him to pursue a career in higher education.
“This past year as president, I’ve always thought about ‘how can I continue this type of work?’ The answer was in front of me this whole time. I would love to continue working within higher education, working with an institution that has the opportunity to serve so many others, work with students every day – day in, day out – helping them realize what their dreams and their goals are and then helping them bring this to fruition.”
Even though his time as president of the 113th administration of the UA Student Government Association has ended, his legacy on campus endures. He takes great pride in the work he accomplished in this role, particularly in strengthening alumni relations. His team developed a comprehensive alumni database and organized a successful reunion event, drawing over 150 attendees. This experience highlights the message he has been sharing throughout his time in the SGA: the UA community is not just something you are a part of while you’re here – it is a lifelong bond. He also hopes people will remember him as a resilient leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, one who pursues his dreams just as passionately as his loved ones did.
“One of the other things that I am really proud of that I don’t get to talk about much is that I am an entrepreneur. I’m the son of immigrants. I’m the son of a businessman who built himself up through different businesses and really embodied what the American dream is in America, and he did it in Alabama.”
Samad plans to attend law school, with the goal of making a lasting impact on his community. He hopes to use his education to give back to others, inspired by the many individuals who have shaped and motivated him throughout his college years.