College of Aviation Senator Candidate

Robert Villa

Robert's photos were captured by:

Andrew Harker / The Avion

Robert Villa

Freshman, BS Aeronautical Science

"My fellow Eagles, I was a three-sport athlete from Upstate New York most of my life, and now I am a passionate aviation enthusiast baking away in the Florida sun. I went from zero flight time coming here in summer B to now being nearly done with my instrument rating. Having completed my Private license in December, I am eager to advance my position in the aviation industry. But aviation isn't my only passion. I am currently the safety officer for the martial arts club and one of the assistant coaches for wrestling. Furthermore, if you want to see me on the softball field, I am part of the Fitness and Wellness team for intramural softball. I am continuously around the aviation community, whether through ALPA ACE or by getting help in the ALC. I'm here to make changes around campus, not just in the College of Aviation but everywhere I can. With my skill set and devotion to the student body, I can bridge the gap between student and administrator."

  • What makes you a qualified candidate for this position?

    "I am a problem solver by heart; I want to solve the world's problems. The best way I know how to solve problems is to go to the top. I have always been interested in student government, even in middle school (weird times). But I've always been a problem solver, working jobs going from being a dishwasher at a luxury restaurant to wiping down cars at a car wash to even being a camp counselor at a YMCA summer camp. I have dealt with angry kids and even angry grown kids (adults). I am prepared to deal with anyone to change what needs changing. The people I've talked to have given me insight into what needs fixing and how to accomplish that. Furthermore, I want to solve the problems that anyone else has. I am committed to working with the student body and administration to use my position to my best abilities to make things better for everyone."

  • What is the purpose of the SGA Student Senate?

    "If you've read my other responses, you probably know where I'm going with this. If not, I invite you to join me on a journey of change. I have been at this school since June 24th, almost eight months. That is not a lot of time (you would think) to decide how you want to change an established university. Well, in my case, I did not need much time at all. Since I got here, I have listened to and partaken in complaining about this institution. However, not all is lost; I think it is a great school, but we also need to adapt and change the things that are not working. The Senate is great for the school (in my opinion). I think genuine change can come from it, but we have to use it to make the most of it. That is why I want to use the Senate; to make rules and change current amendments to better the university and its people. I already have notes on what I plan to do If I get elected to the Senate. I have changes I want to make and ways to make the change; I need the Senate to make that happen."

  • How do you plan to elevate and communicate issues that your constituents are concerned about to the Senate?

    "I pride myself on my ability to speak up. I am usually tolerable until it is necessary to speak my mind. I have heard several complaints that I plan to use my skills and position to resolve. The problem with the SGA is a majority of the student body either doesn't know about the SGA or doesn't care. I plan to advertise and communicate with the students about the SGA and the services they provide. A lot of students complain about things, but then they never take steps to have those complaints resolved. I am looking into new ways the student body can communicate effectively with the Senate and the rest of the SGA. There are many problems that the students, administrators, and staff have with the school. That is why I plan on finding a solution; I have complaints about the university that I will bring to the Senate, and you students or anyone affiliated with the university can bring their issues to me or any of the other senators. However, there needs to be a way of communicating between the senators and the students. That is the issue I plan to resolve."

  • How will you improve the ERAU experience for your constituents?

    "My whole purpose for running is to make the College of Aviation a better place. In my opinion, it could be better tomorrow, and even though you may think it is good the way it is, some of the people I have talked to disagree. I want the quality of life to increase, not just in the College of Aviation but the whole campus. I can't do that unless I am in a position to do that. I want it to be easier for students to bring their issues to administrators and even straight to the Senate. My purpose as a senator is to serve the student body. I want to use my position to make Embry-Riddle a place where students enjoy living. I hope I can be of use to the student body and even the administrators to solve or resolve their complaints. I have issues with how things are done within the SGA and even the College of Aviation; I can use the Senate to do what I need to do."