Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies hosts first student body presidential debate

The UNC Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies hosted their annual debate for the three 2025-26 student body presidential candidates on Wednesday. 

Jakob Williams is currently serving as secretary of the Undergraduate Student Body. His campaign motto, “A Carolina We Believe In,” echoes the values of his platform, promoting diversity, accessibility and belonging in policies that reflect the student body.

“Carolina is a great school to be at,” he said. “However, we have room to grow.”

Kailey Wadsworth, a Morehead-Cain scholar and Gillings School of Global Public Health student, previously worked in the Student Fee Audit Committee and currently serves as the executive assistant to the chief of staff of the Undergraduate Student Government. Wadsworth's mission is leading with love, reflecting her passion for service.

“I have met with leaders and administrators to make sure that [my policies are] actually possible,” she said.

Adolfo Alvarez currently serves as vice president of UNC's nationally recognized Carolina International Relations Association. Alvarez’s platform is centered around “Tar Heel Targets” that range from reconnecting with student organizations to providing housing.

“As someone who has experienced student life from the other side, I bring a perspective that is desperately [needed],” he said.

During the debate, candidates were asked an array of questions, such as addressing low voter turnout, helping immigrant students and strategies for working with University administration.

Here's what they had to say:

Increasing voter participation

• Alvarez said that the historically low voter turnout of SBP elections reflects the connection that Student Government has with students. He said he believes the SBP should be more inclined to advocate for students when working with University administration.
• Williams suggested increasing correspondence with students. But, he also expressed frustration with sentiments that the current Student Body President and Government do not properly represent the student body.
  • “It's almost [like] a slap in the face,” he said.
• Wadsworth noted that voter turnout decreased from 12 percent to 7 percent last year; she said the lack of faith in Student Government's efficiency shows a loss of the SBP's mission.
  • “All these policies that we are projecting today should be student-centered policies,” she said.

Supporting immigrant students

• Alvarez, in referencing his personal experiences as an immigrant from Mexico, said community is important. In light of UNC's compliance with ICE, he added that transparency is needed to understand how University operations will continue in the future and what student safety will look like.
• Williams said communication needs to be stronger, citing that the job of the SBP is to question and discuss the actions of the University administration and relay answers to the student body.
• Wadsworth said her number one objective is to protect student data and recalled the executive branch's collective efforts in creating a Know Your Rights resource for student interactions with ICE.
  • “An injustice to one is an injustice to all,” she said.

Bridging the gap with administration

• Alvarez said it's important to strike a balance between advocating for students and working with the University. He said he is comfortable urging progressive policy-making while maintaining a positive relationship with University officials.
• Williams said it is important to lead with progressiveness respectfully and effectively by acting as a direct line of communication between students and University staff.
• Wadsworth said she is no stranger to school opposition, asserting her willingness to be vocal about policy disagreements. She said she has the capacity to form bonds with administration.
  • “I have been on joint calls with our cabinet leader and Jaleah Taylor with the management — the person who runs UNC's management fund — our big endowment, about ways to possibly divest, ways to ensure that the endowment is going toward just causes,” she said. 

Following the debate, DiPhi announced their endorsement of Alvarez for SBP.

Early voting is scheduled from Feb. 8 to 10. From Feb. 11 to 12, students can vote in-person or on Heel Life.

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