Student Government Association

Ashley Powers currently serves as an Athenian Ambassador and as the 2026–2027 Student Government Association President. Her involvement at Athens State has given her the opportunity to become more connected to the university community, work with students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds and take an active role in representing the student body.

Professionally, Ashley works full-time in a leadership role where she manages a team and is responsible for supporting employees, improving processes, solving problems, and helping guide day-to-day operations. Her career has given her extensive experience in leadership, communication, employee development, customer experience, and decision-making.

Outside of work and school, Ashley enjoys reading, working on jigsaw puzzles, spending time with her pets, volunteering in her community, and spending time with friends and family. She appreciates having interests that give her a chance to step away from a busy schedule and focus on something completely different. After completing her master’s degree, Ashley plans to continue growing her career in leadership and human resources while remaining involved in the communities that are important to her.

Natiria Griffin is a full-time student, employee, and proud mother of two daughters, balancing leadership, scholarship, and family with purpose and resilience. She is currently enrolled at Athens State University and is expected to graduate in Fall 2027.

Natiria has demonstrated strong academic achievement and campus involvement throughout her academic career. She serves as an Athenian Ambassador, a Student Government Association Senator for the College of Education, and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Athens State Literacy Association. She is also a consistent Dean’s List recipient, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and service.

Professionally, Natiria is currently working as a First Grade Teacher at the Islamic Academy of Huntsville, where she brings passion, empathy, and intentionality into her classroom. Her experiences as a student, educator, and mother strongly influence her teaching philosophy and approach to education.

Outside of her academic and professional roles, Natiria enjoys reading, traveling, spending quality time with her family—and unapologetically adores sleep.

Her professional focus is centered on ensuring that students who look like her feel welcomed, valued, and seen. Natiria is passionate about changing the narrative for underrepresented students and believes deeply in the power of education. Having always wanted to change the world, she has chosen to do so—one classroom at a time.

Michael Bailey is in the first year of his second Master’s degree in Education, specializing in Training and Development with a focus on Human Performance and Instructional Systems Design. He is honored to serve as the Athens State University SGA Treasurer for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Government Contract Accounting, as well as a Master of Accountancy from Athens State University. With a strong professional background in financial analytics, forecasting, and budgeting, he is dedicated to ensuring that student fees are allocated transparently and responsibly. Michael also shares his expertise as the tutor for Business Statistics/Analytics and both undergraduate and graduate Accounting courses, and he is an active member of the Accounting Organization (IMA).

Outside of Athens State, he serves as the Accounting Manager at Excellance Inc. in Madison, Alabama, making history as the youngest person to hold that capacity for the company. Michael also serves as a board member at New Market Recreation Center, in New Market, AL. Michael truly enjoys being a part of the vibrant Athens State community and looks forward to enhancing and supporting student success as your treasurer!

Emma Earl is a full-time student at Athens State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Elementary and Collaborative Special Education (K–6) and is expected to graduate in Fall 2027. Originally from Holly Pond, Alabama, Emma is passionate about serving others through education and making a positive impact in the lives of students.

Emma currently works as an Instructional Aide at Good Hope Primary School and serves as the Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach at Good Hope. These roles have strengthened her passion for teaching, leadership, and mentoring young students while giving her valuable hands-on experience in the field of education.

Throughout her time at Athens State, Emma has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence as a recipient of both President’s List and Dean’s List honors. She proudly serves as the Student Government Association Senator for the College of Education, where she enjoys representing her fellow students and helping strengthen the connection between students and the university community.

Emma chose to join SGA because she wanted to become more involved on campus, build meaningful relationships, and take advantage of opportunities to grow as both a leader and future educator. She believes that being an active member of the university community allows her to better serve her peers while developing the skills needed for her future career.

Outside of school and work, Emma enjoys reading, staying active through CrossFit, coaching volleyball, and spending time with her family and friends. After graduation, she plans to begin her career as a special education teacher while continuing her education by earning her master’s degree.

Emma is passionate about creating supportive and inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued, encouraged, and capable of success. She looks forward to making a lasting difference in the classroom and continuing to serve both her students and the Athens State community.

Todd Littlefield is a Business Management student at Athens State University and expects to graduate in Spring 2027. One of the things he values most about Athens State is the personal attention students receive from faculty and staff and the genuine sense that they care about each student’s success. That sense of community has played a big role in encouraging him to become more involved on campus.

Professionally, Todd works in operations management and has built much of his career around retail leadership. Through that experience, he has developed a strong interest in leadership, team development, problem-solving, and creating workplaces where people can be successful. After graduation, he currently plans to continue growing within retail leadership while remaining open to wherever his career may take him.

Todd has also enjoyed finding new ways to get involved with the Athens State community. After volunteering at several university events, he wanted the opportunity to contribute in a more official capacity and became an Athenian Ambassador. He enjoys being able to support the university, connect with other students, and give back to a community that has made such a positive impact on his own experience.

Outside of work and school, Todd enjoys gaming and spending time with his four dogs and five cats. Between work, classes, campus involvement, and a house full of pets, there is rarely a dull moment, which is exactly how he likes it.