By Patrick T. Sullivan

Although recently elected Student Government president, Micah Fielden wants people to know one thing: he’s a regular college student.

Fielden, an agricultural biotechnology junior who ran uncontested alongside Vice President Nikki Hurt, promised a platform that centered on open communication and transparency. Although a student leader, Fielden would like to remain on the same level as other students and be as approachable as possible.

“It’s an impression in some students’ minds that the SGA president cannot be reached,” Fielden said. “I’m a student just like everyone else.”

While Fielden would like to remain approachable to his peers, he would also like his policies to be visible as well.

Students can see the tangible programs, like Tally Cats and the Cats Cruiser, but it’s what students may not be able to see that drives the university, Fielden said.

“What they don’t see, they hear about, like increases in tuition,” he said.

Fielden said past administrations have been proficient in establishing visible, student-friendly programs, but he hopes to make an impact on the intangible programs that are the most important.

Fielden and Hurt plan to frequent Frankfort to ensure better lives for students. While Fielden will not promise a stop to tuition hikes, he can guarantee a valiant effort.

“I’m not saying I’m going to stop tuition increases. They’re going to happen,” he said. “I want to be in Frankfort with Nikki and other students to get more money for the university.”

As the senate president, Fielden helped start the Wildcat Interest Group. Based on Mississippi State University’s Bulldog Interest Group, WIG ensures a UK presence in the Kentucky legislature. The group hopes to secure tuition caps and to give UK the ability to sell bonds for larger projects, Fielden said.

UK’s representation in the legislature is not limited to students, Fielden said. Faculty and staff also bear the weight of the tough financial times facing the school and state.

“We have to make sure everyone is sharing the burden equally,” he said. “I know students have increasing tuition, but I know teachers have capped salaries. Students aren’t the only one bearing the brunt right now.”

Fielden’s compassion for others reaches beyond the political realm. He aspires to help people in need and is currently debating going to law or medical school. Regardless of his education, Fielden hopes to remain involved in politics in some way.

“As a doctor, I can help one person on a one-on-one basis everyday,” Fielden said. “Even though people don’t know it, politics helps people on an individual level everyday. They affect on a global scale. The reach of politics is immeasurable.”

Fielden got into Student Government during his freshman year when he ran for freshman senate and won. The next year, he ran unaffiliated and lost, but as the second-highest vote-getter he returned to the senate when someone resigned. This school year, he served as senate president.

In addition to his experience in collegiate student government, Fielden also served on student government at Lexington Christian Academy and is currently president of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.

“He has a pretty good grasp on the issues,” outgoing President Ryan Smith said prior to the election. “The transition will hopefully be seamless.”

Smith stressed the importance of a good staff, saying his administration functioned well because of teamwork.

Fielden said he will be careful about picking his staff. He encourages students from all backgrounds to apply and expects a large applicant pool.

As for his campaign ticket, which swept the election, Fielden said he is very confident in the job his endorsees will do.

“They’re very capable, intelligent people who know student government very well,” he said. “We feel very comfortable with the hands the senate will be in.”

With confidence in his staff and a plan for next school year, Fielden said he wants to improve what Smith and others developed.

“The programs now are great,” he said. “We want to take the strengths and make them better.”

Related:

A ‘bittersweet’ goodbye: Two-year SG president reflects on leadership experience