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UT Austin News - The University of Texas at Austin

Making a Texas-Sized Impact

College of Liberal Arts senior reflects on his journey as class president and the ways the past four years have shaped his future

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Before arriving on the Forty Acres, Hudson Thomas had never met another Longhorn or Texas Ex. Although he grew up in Seattle, he quickly embraced the burnt orange lifestyle. 

A triple major in Plan II, history and government, Thomas has made a name for himself on campus as the 2025-26 student body president, and he helped establish the digital ID initiative, which will make IDs available digitally during the 2027-28 academic year.

Alongside student government, Thomas was a member of BYX, the Christian fraternity on campus, and Texas Cowboys, and he was involved with the Civitas Institute in the School of Civic Leadership.

image of a student standing in front of the UT tower

Although he started his time on campus without knowing a single person, Thomas said the thing he’s most proud of in his time here is how many close friends he’s made.

“This University really is so vibrant, and it’s something I’m really going to miss,” he said. “Walking down Speedway with my friends, studying at the Littlefield House with Civitas, reenacting Shakespeare with my freshman literature class on the six-pack lawn, there really are so many life memories … I have so much to reminisce about.”

After graduation, Thomas plans to attend law school and wants to work in international corporate relations, eventually hoping to become a public servant. Out of all the academic and life lessons he learned on campus, Thomas said the most important one was learning how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“What’s changed the most about me is just my mindset,” he said. “This University has really motivated me to broaden my horizons in ways that I never previously thought were possible.