Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
At just 20 years old, Charlie Beth Pruett is already making her mark at The University of Alabama.
The 2021 graduate of Jasper High School was recently named to the UA Student Government Association’s executive cabinet as deputy chief of staff.
Charlie Beth’s role in student government is rooted in her experiences growing up in Jasper. Reflecting on her time in the Jasper City School system, she credits her early involvement in school events and fundraisers for teaching her essential skills.
These early experiences, from participating in fundraisers to being principal for a day at Memorial Park Elementary, and later serving in student council and service clubs at Jasper High School, helped her develop the confidence and people skills that have been essential in her leadership roles today.
A double major in operations management and real estate with a minor in supply chain management, Charlie Beth balances her academic workload with a deep commitment to student advocacy.
Her involvement in SGA began in her freshman year when she joined the SGA Lobby Board, where she discovered a passion for advocating for higher education funding and quickly rose to become the board’s director.
“It was at that point that I was kind of exposed to what all SGA could actually accomplish,” she shares.
Now, in her role on the executive cabinet, she is responsible for supporting vice presidents with their initiatives and leading her own.
One of her most fulfilling projects is creating a town hall community series, designed to increase student voter awareness and civic engagement.
“Our voter registration is already at 80% for the year,” she says proudly, noting how the series aims to provide resources to students, particularly out-of-state students, so that they can be active in their civic duties.
Charlie Beth is also passionate about meeting the needs of her fellow students in other ways. She has been working to establish a Necessity Swipes program, a resource center where students in financial need can use their student ID cards to swipe into an area where they can access free hygiene products. This initiative is particularly close to her heart as it ensures that no student goes without essential items.
Balancing her academic responsibilities with her SGA involvement, sorority life in Phi Mu, and other campus commitments is no easy task. However, Charlie Beth stays on track with meticulous time management, following a detailed daily spreadsheet broken down into 15-minute increments from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“I know it sounds Type-A, but it works for me!” she laughs.
Looking to the future, Charlie Beth hopes to continue her involvement in leadership, with ambitions in supply chain management and consulting, particularly for small businesses and nonprofits.
In addition to her role in SGA, Charlie Beth is an ambassador for UA’s Culverhouse College of Business. She hopes her journey can inspire students from her hometown of Jasper, encouraging them to pursue their goals with the same determination that has led her to this point.
At 20 years old, Charlie Beth Pruett is a remarkable example of what can be accomplished through hard work, passion, and a deep desire to make a difference.
Her story is far from over, and as she continues to grow in her leadership roles, there’s no doubt she will leave a lasting impact on her peers and the community she loves. WL