Meet the Candidates; HUSA and Undergraduate/Graduate Trustee

Candidates: Brandon Dean & James Alexander

Position: HUSA Executive President & Vice-President

Platform: HUSA Anew 52

Brandon Dean is a sophomore from Brighton, Ala. studying political science and African-American Studies. In his first year at Howard University, he served as freshmen class president in the College of Arts & Sciences with 72 percent of the popular vote. He successfully raised $6,000 to lead a delegation of undergraduate and graduate students to Harvard University for a Black Policy Conference. He also worked with the educational advisory center to increase participation in class checkups by historical numbers. Brandon currently serves as the financial aid advisor to the Howard University Student Association, chair & founder of Team on your Side, and vice president of the Howard University College Democrats.

James Alexander is a junior English major from Newnan, Ga. As a freshman, he was appointed as a member of the policy department of the Howard University Student Association. During his tenure, the department uncovered roughly $2 million of funding. This funding became the source of the first HUSA Grants.  He was elected as an Undergraduate Student Assembly representative from the College of Arts & Sciences. He also served as Constitutional Review Committee chairman and parliamentarian of the general assembly. Alexander, along with two-time HUSA vice president William Roberts, authored the changes to the HUSA constitution to create the new HUSA Senate, which is taking effect this election season. He currently serves as the executive vice president of the College of Arts & Sciences student council.

Candidates: Julius Holmes & Pali Payne

Position: HUSA Executive President & Vice-President

Platform: Ending the Run Around: Improving Communication from staff to student 

Julius Holmes is a junior political science major, business administration minor, from Philadelphia, Pa. An Army brat by birth, Holmes spent the majority of his childhood outside of the United States. International travel and exposure to diverse cultures led Holmes to develop a unique life perspective that is reflects his travels. During his time at the Mecca, Holmes has been blessed to have experiences as diverse as the Howard University student body.    

He has served on Carver Hall's judiciary board and was elected president of Slowe Hall dorm council. Holmes' is also a member and president of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. and serves on the Council for Fraternal Organizations. Additionally, after having the privilege of serving as the student ambassador for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Holmes went on to become founder and president of a similar organization, The Scholar's Shield Initiative. Additionally, Julius serves as a mentor to new Howard students through the Howard University Buddy Program.

            Outside of Howard University, Holmes has served in Pennsylvania State representative, Cherrell Parker's, office. He is also the vice president for Good for Humanity Inc., a family owned start-up company, which inspired him to create and lead his own company named, Holmes De Novo Umbrella Corporation. He has also served as chief intern for the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation where he played a pivotal role in reducing unemployment in Philadelphia. Holmes is also a proud member of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa. His future aspirations include obtaining a law degree from Harvard Law School and a life as a public servant in elected political office.