When Christopher Bailey was elected the 76th Student Government Association (SGA) president for the 2025–26 academic year, he made history—not just for himself, but for the University of Memphis. Nearly 30 years earlier, his father, Andrew “Drew” Bailey, served as UofM’s 49th SGA president. Together, they’re the first father-son duo to ever lead the student body.
“It makes me proud,” Drew said. “He’s cementing my legacy. I did my part—but now I’m stepping into his shadow.”
Drew’s legacy includes being named the 2015 Distinguished Young Alumnus, serving on the University Alumni Association board, and launching impactful campus initiatives like Project Unite, the Freshman Senate, and the Frosh Camp funding model—many of which still exist today.
But Christopher is focused on building something new.
Now a senior studying business economics, Christopher leads with a servant-leader mindset. “Being a leader is as simple as serving others,” he said. His goals include strengthening student connections through orientation, campus events like Spring Fest, and bringing back school spirit around athletics. He also plans to launch a President’s Council to unite student group leaders and expand collaboration.
Christopher is no stranger to involvement—he’s a member of Empowered Men of Color, the Black Student Association, and the Memphis Institute for Leadership Education, and has served as both a Frosh Camp Counselor and Orientation Guide.
“I want every student to feel like they have the same doors open to them as the SGA president,” he said. “This should be a unified experience.”
For the Baileys, this isn’t just a family legacy—it’s a powerful reflection of community, leadership, and passing the torch to a new generation of changemakers.
“It’s Chris’ turn to lead,” Drew said. “And I couldn’t be more proud.”
