2025 Officer Elections: Alexis Smith
- Grant Berg
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
Alexis is a student at Minnesota State University – Mankato, and is applying for the position of State Chair and Vice Chair.
The responses to the application questions are unedited and are written by the candidate. Why are you interested in this specific officer position?
I am currently a Political Science major at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I plan to attend law school after graduation and have a very strong desire and admiration for politics and law. I believe strongly in our individual freedoms and our rights as Americans. I feel that unity within the student body and within our entire college community is very important. I strive for change and our voices to be heard. I know that any involvement within Students United would be an honor, however I feel that I could bring a different and diverse dynamic to this organization. I believe that this would be a great learning experience for both the potential constituents and myself.
Please describe your understanding of Students United Students United is a student-led organization dedicated to advocating for all students in Minnesota. Committed to making Minnesota the best state for students and their families, Students United works to ensure that student voices are heard and that policies and initiatives prioritize their needs and well-being.
Please describe your understanding of the role officers play at Students United Students United is a student-led organization advocating for students at Minnesota’s seven state universities. Their mission is to amplify student voices, influence higher education policies, and improve the student experience in Minnesota. Members of Students United work hard to ensure that higher education remains accessible, affordable, and equitable. Students United addresses many issues such as tuition costs, student rights, campus resources, among others. Students United primary focus is on making the state of Minnesota a better place for students.
What goals do you have for this position and/or for Students United?
I am currently working on my Senator Project at Minnesota State University, Mankato which is a sustainable student ran thrift store on campus. I feel that Sustainability is a big issue with our generation and is important to keep our planet healthy and happy. College students throw away many items at the end of the year to move home, contributing to around 1,000 pounds of waste, filling our landfills. With a student-run thrift store on campus, much of the waste at the end of the year could be donated to the store and re-used to cut down on on waste and teach students how to effectively save money while saving the planet. I would love to talk to other universities about implementing this idea at their campus' to effectively cut down on waste while allowing students to save money (especially international students who have limited furnishings when they arrive to our country). Is there anything else you would like the Board of Directors and the public to know? I am very passionate about helping other students achieve their dreams and feel that it is crucial to be engaged in your community and your educational journey. Success starts within, and you must be an active participant in your life!