Service, Leadership at the Core of SGA President John Squier’s Vision
UNC Pembroke senior John Squier has stepped into the Student Government Association president role with a mission to bridge the gap between students and administration while boosting campus engagement.
A physics major from Raeford, N.C., Squier transferred to UNCP in 2023 after earning his associate degree from SandHoke Early College. That summer, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving with the 413th Chemical Company based in Florence, S.C.
Squier credits much of his drive and leadership skills to his father, Tom Squier, a Vietnam veteran who served 23 years in the U.S. Navy and Army before joining the Jacksonville Police Department.
“Growing up, my father was my role model,” Squier said. “He served his country and his community with integrity. Service and honesty have always been key values for me. That’s something I got from my parents.”
When he arrived at UNCP, fresh out of boot camp, Squier was eager to get involved. “I was very outgoing when I first came to campus, and I wanted to participate in many things,” he said. “SGA was the first family to open up to me. They had a great supporting cast. Running for president felt like my calling.”
Dr. Kyle Smith, dean of students and SGA advisor, said he has been consistently impressed by Squier’s character and leadership since he joined the SGA.
“John is an unapologetic advocate for all students and brings a remarkable level of confidence, professionalism and resolve to every space he enters, whether engaging with university leadership, legislators or community stakeholders,” Smith said.
As president, Squier is determined to increase awareness of campus resources and ensure students take advantage of them. His priorities include promoting scholarship opportunities, campus jobs, tutoring and free services like the Taley & Jordan Hunt Braves Resource Center.
“Students want to be involved, but often the information doesn’t reach them in time,” he said. “My goal is to change that by promoting events and opportunities earlier so everyone can participate and feel connected.”
Squier also hopes to expand SGA’s social media presence and use it to share not only events, but also “secret spots” on campus — quiet study areas or gathering places that may be overlooked –– creating spaces where more introverted students can feel comfortable connecting, studying or enjoying campus life at their own pace.
Another goal is to increase communication between students and administrators. Squier meets monthly with Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings and maintains close working relationships with faculty and staff, including Dr. Jeff Howard, vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Dr. Smith.
“We don’t just host events,” he said. “We bridge the gap between students and the administration. I want both sides to feel as connected as they can.”
One area of focus will be encouraging more first- and second-year students to get involved early. “A lot of students don’t come out of their shell until their third or fourth year,” Squier said. “We want a culture shift, so involvement starts from day one.”
Squier is on track to graduate in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in physics at NC State University while enrolling in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, to be commissioned as a military intelligence officer.
“My end goal is to serve full time in the military,” he said. “But I’m also passionate about teaching and could see myself as a physics teacher one day.”
For now, Squier and with his vice president, Demilade Babarinde, are focused on leading SGA’s 32-member senate, preparing to host the UNC System’s Association of Student Governments (ASG) conference in September, and ensuring students know their voices matter.
“I love this school,” Squier said. “This is a diamond in the rough — an affordable, culturally rich university that feels like home. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, not only as SGA president, but simply as a UNC Pembroke student.”