English major Maddox Goodman followed a path that felt right for him, leading to a leadership position in student government
By Abigail Botsford, Senior Writer
When Maddox Goodman arrived at Florida State University in the summer of 2023 as a first-year student, he had no clear plan for what he wanted to do post-graduation. He did know that if he put trust in the process and followed a path that was meant for him, then he would be led to his answer.
Goodman is now a junior pursuing a double major in English-Editing, Writing, and Media and philosophy, on a pre-law track. His English studies have allowed Goodman to focus on what he loves to do, write, while also preparing him for a future as an attorney.
“I was inspired to pursue a degree in English-Editing, Writing, and Media because when I was picking my major during my senior year in high school, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do,” Goodman says. “What I did know, however, was that English, more specifically writing, had always been my favorite subject in school.”
Along with that academic route, Goodman has found a community, purpose, and a home in FSU’s Student Government Association. He was recently elected to serve as the next Student Body Treasurer and will be officially inaugurated on April 24.
Goodman’s SGA position for the 2026-27 academic year is one of the “big three,” alongside the student body president and vice president positions. His mentor in the Presidential Scholars Program, FSU senior public relations major Samantha Randall, first motivated Goodman to become involved in student government.
“Throughout my freshman year, she asked me to join student government, and every time I blew her off, thinking that I would hate it,” Goodman shares. “Eventually, in the fall of my sophomore year, I did some research into what SGA actually was, and I saw a vision for myself there.”
That semester, the fall of 2024, Goodman ran for the position of student senator with Forward at FSU and won, beginning his career in college politics.
“I realized that real change could be enacted in a variety of ways, and being able to leave my mark on this campus and to make FSU a better place piqued my interest,” Goodman says.
Forward at FSU is one of major parties on campus and slates candidates for positions in student government during each election.
“The mission of Forward FSU is to foster a positive and enriching culture among dedicated student leaders and to prioritize tradition, advancement, and intentionality,” Forward’s mission statement reads . “We aim to achieve this through building relationships and a sense of community as we take the next step together to advocate for the best interests of all students.”
Embodying the pillars of Forward’s principles is important to Goodman, and he wants them to guide him in his work and everyday life. He stresses the importance of recognizing tradition when discussing change for the future.
“The past guides us and remembering where this university came from is of utmost importance,” Goodman says. “However, as important as tradition is, it’s equally important that this campus is constantly innovating and creating new advancements in advocacy for the student body. Lastly, intentionality grounds every decision that I have made and will make in the future as student body treasurer.”
Throughout his time with Forward, Goodman has collaborated with many student leaders, such as Faisal Lalani, the chair of Forward at FSU.
“Working with Maddox has truly been one of the highlights of my term as chair of Forward FSU,” Lalani says. “Not only is he incredibly intelligent and has a nuanced understanding of finances within SGA, but what sets him apart is his personality.”
Lalani says that Goodman is the most authentic person he knows, and he led his campaign for student body treasurer with that authenticity.
“I appreciate how no matter how similar or how different someone is from Maddox, he is able to have genuine conversations and learn from those around him,” Lalani says. “Student government needs more people like Maddox, and I cannot wait to see him do great in the office of student body treasurer.”
Goodman’s leadership style is adaptable, Lalani continues, saying that over the past few months of working together, he’s learned that Goodman is excellent at adapting and doing whatever is required of him to accomplish his goals.
“Whether it is communicating with stakeholders, having tough conversations, or dealing with difficult situations, Maddox is able to navigate challenges and work through them with ease,” Lalani adds. “I know whatever happens in his term, he will work with others to continuously adapt to the situation and fight with the student body’s best interests in mind.”
Goodman appreciates that being a part of Forward at FSU means he will always have a second family on campus.
“Some of my best memories, friends, and moments from my time at FSU have come because of the great people I’ve met through Forward,” Goodman says. “I began my SGA journey with Forward, and I’m thankful that they’ve stuck by me throughout the years.”
The people Goodman has met through his work in student government have taught him not only how to be a leader in a room full of other leaders, he says, but also how to be kind, especially when the space might not be kind in return. Additionally, he has learned what loyalty truly means.
Goodman is well prepared to step into the role of treasurer, bringing leadership and specialized practical experience to his new role. During the 2025-26 academic year, Goodman was the finance coordinator in the Office of the Treasurer, working directly under the leadership of current Student Body Treasurer Erica Wyatt.
“I worked to ensure that the roughly $14 million collected from the activity and services fees were utilized properly,” Goodman elaborates. “I communicated with Registered Student Organizations and other various SGA entities to ensure funds were properly distributed and used. I also served as an outside voice for the office, answering the various questions organizations may have had about how to acquire SGA funding for their goals.”
Those positions within the student government and other leadership experiences have prepared Goodman for his work ahead.
“My positions outside of student government, from serving as the alumni chair within my fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon to being the co-director of outreach for the Jewish Student Union this year, have prepared me immensely in other ways,” Goodman says. “My leadership experiences and my academics, especially in the English department, have been so instrumental in my long-term career goals. Both have shown me how my interpersonal and communication skills can be utilized in the legal space, and that real social change can be enacted through law.”
One of the treasurer’s responsibilities is to be the public-facing representative of a massive budget that affects the thousands of students at FSU.
“These positions have taught me the communication skills, both professionally to administrators and more casually amongst fellow students, to be effective and ensure the best results for everyone involved,” Goodman shares.
Goodman has a primary list of priorities and goals for his term as treasurer.
“I want to ensure that diverse voices are heard and represented on the budget committee responsible for helping to create the annual Activities and Services fees budget,” Goodman says. “I also want to get out there more to the student body; with others in my office, I want to table at Market Wednesdays and Involvements Fairs to make sure that they know we are there to support them financially.”
He also wants student government to become more accessible for all students, especially those who are unfamiliar with the space and process.
“It can be scary or nerve-racking to ask us for help,” Goodman says. “Instead of expecting these students to come to us for help, we want to come to their spaces and be there for them.”
It can be scary or nerve-racking to ask us for help. Instead of expecting these students to come to us for help, we want to come to their spaces and be there for them.
— Maddox Goodman
By the end of his one-year term, Goodman wants students to have a better understanding of what his office does and to express to him how they can best advocate for every student.
“Despite record numbers in the election this year; only about 20% of the student population voted,” Goodman explains. “There are still thousands of students who don’t know what we do and how we can benefit them.”
Goodman knows the most effective way to advocate for the FSU student body and to ensure their perspectives are reflected in financial decisions is to simply listen.
“Especially within the budget committee process, expanding the membership of the committee to have more diverse voices giving their input on arguably the most important part of the year for the budget,” he says.
In his free time, Goodman enjoys golfing on the weekends, playing a full round or just practicing at the range. He also cheers on his favorite teams, including FSU and, being from Hollywood, teams in South Florida. He also values spending time with his friends and girlfriend.
“I actually met my girlfriend because of my friends in the FSU Student Senate—there is love to be found through student government,” Goodman says with a laugh.
When Goodman steps into his role as student body treasurer, he will be ready thanks to his hands-on experience as well as genuine care for the students he represents.
Goodman’s own path at FSU is a testament to the power of trusting the process, which he has believed in since he first arrived on campus.
Abigail Botsford is a senior majoring in English-Editing, Writing, and Media, with a minor in communication.
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