Faith Mote
Staff Writer
Cole Lawson, a senior political science and broadcast journalism major from Smiths Station, was recently elected chairman of the College Republicans Federation of Alabama (CRFA), becoming the first Troy University student to hold the office.
For the first time in several years, Troy University won the bid to hold the CRFA conference against all other Alabama universities. In attendance were Senator Jeff Sessions, Governor Robert Bentley, Representative Martha Roby, Attorney General Luther Strange and Alabama Republican Party Chair Bill Armistead.
Lawson won against several other college representatives, including those from Alabama and Auburn. He has been involved with Troy’s chapter of College Republicans since September 2012.
Lawson has served as chairman of the organization and has helped to increase its numbers from ten to over 400 members.
The College Republican Federation of Alabama’s goal is to create a network of college students with Republican beliefs and create an environment where they can meet and discuss with their like-minded peers.
As chairman of the CRFA, Lawson’s job is to be a representation of the state organization, to oversee the growth and development of Alabama chapters, to serve as a representative to the College Republican National Committee and to fundraise for College Republicans across the state.
College Republican meetings focus on discussing critical issues that currently face our nation. The group also hosts guest speakers for students to meet and to ask questions.
“Our job is to represent the voice of College Republicans all across the state of Alabama,” Lawson said. “I will also be adding charity as a major focus of the College Republican Federation this year. I have asked each chapter to identify one local charity for their chapter and our organization to help.”
As chairman of the CRFA, Lawson looks forward to making a difference for college students and offering an outlet on every Alabama campus for students to network with their peers in an environment that supports their Republican beliefs.
Lawson said that he looks forward to bridging the gap between College Republicans and Alabama legislatures by “ensuring all chapters across the state are active and functioning and that each chapter gets out and partakes in the political process and gets involved with their local legislators.”
Lawson’s future goals are set on becoming governor and then the president of the U.S. He is determined to make a positive impact on society and reverse the downward trend the United States has started down in the last few years.
Lawson said that in order to improve the current state of our country, “it will take concerned citizens like many others and myself to keep the United States as the best place to live on earth. If we don’t become involved, we don’t accomplish anything.”
