Fox looks to TCU’s 150th anniversary for opportunities to connect
The TCU Student Government Association has a new president: Brandon Fox, junior finance major and member of ROTC from Killeen, Texas. We asked Brandon about his SGA involvement, presidential goals and some of his favorite things on and off campus.
What brought you to TCU?
I’m from a military family and had moved nine times in six states, ending in Killeen, Texas, where my dad was at Fort Hood. I knew I wanted to go to a Texas school, and when I went to visit a friend at TCU, it was everything I’d always heard about, and I knew I wanted to be there.
When did you get involved in student government and why?
In high school I was class president, and as a first-year student at TCU, I saw a sign about SGA looking for class reps. I applied and was elected for the class of 2024. I see SGA as a tool to get others involved and to be heard. It’s also a great bridge between students and faculty and staff.
What have your prior roles been?
I loved being a class rep so much that I ran again as sophomore, mainly because I like to represent the collective thought. Now I’m a junior. With the new SGA system (no more class reps), I work closely with our House of Representatives, the vice president and treasurer to advocate for our members. I attend a lot of meetings, but it helps me keep my finger on the pulse of TCU.
What student government accomplishments are you most proud of?
Getting students to understand what SGA is – and how we can help them, either one student at a time or collectively. We’ve started meeting with other student organizations to explain our role and how we can support one another.
Why did you want to run for president?
TCU has provided so much to me, my family and our community. I see this is a great way to give back. I’m in a number of organizations, and I want to rep SGA to as many students as possible. I also wanted to keep the momentum going, and as junior now, I may be able to have that longevity.
What are your primary goals as president?
I want to get all the reps out to more TCU events so that SGA is represented and viewed as an available resource. A lot of students don’t know where to go if they have an issue, so I want SGA to be that resource. I also want students to hold us accountable.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be and how do you plan to overcome it?
SGA struggles to get people involved, especially if they live off campus. With the growth we’re having and the challenge that has for housing, I want SGA to have more on-campus events that will get those off campus to come back and feel they’re part of the full experience. With the 150th anniversary of TCU in 2023, there will be lots of opportunities for students and even alumni to reconnect.
What are some other campus organizations you’re involved in?
I’m in the TCU Neeley School, the Honors College, ROTC, a fraternity and a couple of clubs.
How has TCU Neeley impacted your leadership development?
I had a lot of “community parenting” growing up on military bases, so I was used to others being there to guide me. Neeley has blown my expectations away. The professors are so phenomenal and are helping me in that journey.
What are your goals after graduation?
I plan to stay active in the ROTC or the Reserves, depending on where I’m needed most and for how long. As for a field of business, I’m leaning toward being a stock broker.
What do you love most about being a Horned Frog?
It’s simply the people. When you walk around campus, everyone is so friendly. It’s still a small enough school that you can get to know so many people, even if just the faces.
More about Brandon …
Go-to morning beverage: Orange juice
A food you wish was healthy: Nerds
Favorite spot on campus: The Campus Commons
Favorite hangout off campus: Dutch’s or the movie theater
Favorite movie: “Rookie of the Year”
Last show you binge watched: The Star Wars series “Boba Fett”
On your playlist: “Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan
Hobbies: Playing sports, hanging out with friends, watching movies
Place you love to visit/would travel to one day: I would love to travel to Rome
A professor who had a meaningful impact on you: I've had a lot of great professors at TCU. Many of them are so dedicated to helping students. One that made a big impact on me was Bob Akin, assistant professor of professional practice in marketing. I learned so much from him, watching how he treated people and went about his life.
Best TCU memory to date: Getting to tour campus with my mom and that moment when I knew it was the place I wanted to come. (Hopefully my mom sees this.)