Meet the SGA Prez: Brooks Higginbotham ’27

Brooks Higginbotham ’27 has opinions on Oreos, teleportation and the proper classification of hot dogs. The Auburn, Alabama, native and double major in exercise science and medical studies also has plenty of thoughts about student life as president of Lenoir-Rhyne’s Student Government Association (SGA). A member of the men’s swimming team and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Higginbotham volunteers and interns with Alexander Hospice and studied health and wellness in Costa Rica this summer as he prepares for a career in medicine.

What is your go-to order at Joe’s Coffee?

Probably just a regular vanilla latte. That might sound a little simple, but we keep it sweet.

When and how did you get involved with student government?

I had a friend who was vice president of finance a couple years ago, and he nudged me toward SGA. I attended a couple meetings my sophomore year and decided to throw my hat in the ring for vice president of finance because I loved how he was able to connect with students and help student organizations make their ideas happen.

I won, and I just fell in love with it. I got involved a little later than a lot of people do, but it has definitely been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at LR.

Was the SGA presidency always a goal for you or did you have to be talked into running for the job?

It was a combination of things. I was proud of the work we did while I was vice president of finance. We approved a record number of budget proposals and distributed more than $30,000 to clubs and organizations.

Tanli [Carlton ’26] was nudging me and saying, “You should think about it,” but I didn’t want to do it just because somebody else was telling me I should. I prayed about it for about a month. Then, after one of our last budget proposals, a student came up to me and was so grateful for what we had been able to do. That’s when it clicked for me. I thought, “I want to see what I can do on a larger scale for SGA and for the university.”

What is one goal you have for your presidency?

I want SGA to be more accessible. When I was a first-year and sophomore student, I was very shy and reserved. I still lean more toward the introverted side, so I understand students who might be nervous about approaching SGA or coming to a meeting.

I want to give the everyone more ways to reach us. That includes putting our constitution on the website so students can see how we operate, building a larger social media presence and putting suggestion boxes around campus where students can share concerns that we can address in public meetings. We’ve also started using surveys on Instagram and through email to find out what students are facing right now.

Why is student government an important part of campus life?

SGA is like the backbone of student life, whether people realize it or not. Clubs and organizations work with the Office of Student Life, but they also come through SGA for things like their constitutions and event funding. If you don’t have a strong SGA, clubs and organizations are going to feel that. That’s why I believe SGA is so vital.

What is one way students can get more involved with student government even if they don’t have time to hold an office?

Come to a meeting and just say one thing. It doesn’t have to be super fancy or super complex. Share one concern you have with us, because there’s a good chance it isn’t just your concern. Ten other students on campus might be thinking the same thing.

Our meetings are at 6:30 p.m. every other Monday in the Colloquium Room of the library.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at LR so far?

My freshman year, I was at a swim meet in Charlotte. I’m a distance swimmer, and I was swimming the mile, which is 66 laps. When I dove in, my goggles burst on the first lap, so I had 65 laps left to swim without goggles.

My team cheered so hard that I could see and hear them even with water in my eyes and ears. Their support propelled me to my best time at our midseason meet. That’s a memory I’ve hung onto since my freshman year.

If you could have a lifetime supply of anything, what would it be?

Probably Oreos. I have a terrible sweet tooth, and Oreos are my favorite sweet treat. They can go on just about anything — ice cream, cakes. You can’t go wrong with Oreos.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I’m torn between breathing underwater, because I’m a swimmer, and teleporting. I’m going to pick teleporting. My family lives far away, so I could go see my family and friends, but I could also travel anywhere I wanted without dealing with flights or long drives. Paris, Rome, Tokyo — I could just go.

Do you have a secret talent? What is it?

I’ve realized in the past couple months that I’m really good at cooking. I live in an apartment now, so I’ve had to start cooking for myself, and I’ve made some really good things. I made steak chipotle bowls the other night, nailed a fettuccine Alfredo recipe and made Dolly’s Parton’s “cuppa cuppa cuppa” cake. My parents are both good cooks, so I guess it makes sense.

What is the most used app on your phone?

Regrettably, probably Instagram.

What is your favorite song right now?

“Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker. I’m a big country music person, and Darius Rucker is one of my favorites.

What cartoon character would you like to be best friends with and why?

I grew up watching “Wild Kratts,” so I’d want to be best friends with the Kratt brothers. I loved learning about all the different animals, and if I were friends with them, I could go on all their explorations.

What is a book you’ve read recently that you would recommend to other people?

“A Land More Kind Than Home” by Wiley Cash. It’s set in the mountains of North Carolina and tells the story of a family in a small town. I finished it today, and I loved it. 

Is a hot dog a sandwich?

No. It’s its own separate category, just like hamburgers. I can see why people say it’s a sandwich — it’s meat and bread — but no.

Is there anything else you want people to be sure to know about you?

I’m very easygoing and approachable. If you ever see me and need to decompress or get something off your chest, I’m a good listener. I’ll be glad to hear you and try to help you the best way I can.