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The role of the ASUAF President is to lead, represent, and advance the interests of the UAF student body by providing executive leadership, setting the strategic direction of ASUAF, and serving as a primary bridge between students and the university community. The President is an elected student position.

Majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Environmental Change, Sammy Bass is a passionate advocate for environmental preservation and oceanic health. Bass is committed to promoting clean energy, sustainable practices, and conservation efforts. With experience in addressing pollution and restoring natural habitats, Bass emphasizes collaboration and practical solutions. Bass’s focus is on reducing plastic waste, protecting marine life, and combating climate change, while also encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility for the environment. Outside of the Senate, Bass enjoys participating in beach clean-ups, running, biking, and connecting with nature.

The role of the ASUAF Vice President is to support the leadership and operations of ASUAF by fostering communication, strengthening connections across the organization, and ensuring student voices are represented throughout the university community. The Vice-President is an elected student position.

Mack Benn is a second-year student at UAF studying Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Mack’s a born and raised 91��Ƶn, and having grown up in Fairbanks, UAF has always held a special place in his life. As a student senator, he’s all about making campus life better for everyone: students, staff, and the community alike. Whether it’s tackling big ideas or just making UAF a little more awesome, Mack’s here to make a difference.

The role of the ASUAF Director of Public Relations is to strengthen ASUAF’s presence and communication by sharing student government initiatives, engaging the campus community, and promoting opportunities for student involvement. The Director of Public Relations is a hired student position.

The role of the ASUAF Director of Student Advocacy is to amplify student voices, connect students with resources and support, and advocate for meaningful improvements to the UAF student experience. The Director of Student Advocacy is a hired student position.

Lilly Varney serves as the ASUAF Director of Student Advocacy. A sophomore pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, Lilly brings creativity, ambition, and a student-focused perspective to the role. She is passionate about strengthening ASUAF’s public presence, building meaningful connections with students, and ensuring students feel informed, represented, and supported.

In her role, Lilly is committed to advocating for stronger student support systems, increased access to Title IX resources, and initiatives that improve the overall student experience. Through campus-wide events, student-centered information campaigns, and expanded outreach efforts, she strives to create a more connected, engaging, and supportive campus community for all students.

Jesse Tyrrell is a freshman pursuing a degree in emergency management and homeland security with a concentration in public health. He grew up in Anchorage and is a lifelong 91��Ƶn resident.

Jesse loves being involved in both academic and non-academic activities on campus. Aside from ASUAF, he is a member of Model UN, Fencing Club, the Boxing Club, the Pre-Law Club, and HSAC.  

He hopes to put his interest and experience with resolution writing, parliamentary procedure, and local governance to practical use at ASUAF. Clear communication, transparency, and easier pathways for students to share feedback and get involved are his top priorities.

Jesse believes that resolutions and appropriation processes can feel complicated and overwhelming for many, so he will dedicate himself to making them more accessible, usable, and engaging for the student body.

The role of the ASUAF Office Assistant is to support the day-to-day operations of ASUAF by providing reliable administrative support, maintaining an organized and welcoming office, and assisting students and staff with their needs. The Senate Clerk is a hired student position.

Anna Wenzel is a senior from Talkeetna, 91��Ƶ.  She is majoring in interdisciplinary studies, with a political science minor. Her goal in working with ASUAF is to help foster a welcoming environment that makes students feel safe and included. When she’s not at work or in class, she loves skiing, reading, riding her motorcycle, or rock climbing.

Oscar Smedley is a Junior at UAF. As a Christian he has the foundational belief that every person is unique and valuable, which he carries with him serving as a student representative. In his life he has found the most joy by appreciating his fellow peers, while living in community with the student body he adores. 

With strong roots in 91��Ƶ, and being a 3rd generation student at UAF he knows and understands that Fairbanks produces the coldest and darkest campus in the United States which poses a real challenge to many students. To overcome this detriment his primary goal within ASUAF is to foster friendly relationships and communication between students, student clubs, local non-profit organizations, and ASUAF by creating, funding, volunteering, and advertising for events with the goal of creating shared experiences. 

Alex Burgess is a sophomore at the University of 91��Ƶ Fairbanks studying Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Alex was born and raised in the 91��Ƶ Interior for the past two decades. Alex is a participant in the UAF Army ROTC program. 

Jerrick “JJ” Edwardsen is a freshman studying Secondary Education and History at the University of 91��Ƶ Fairbanks. Originally from North-Central Idaho in the Lewis-Clark Valley, Edwardsen believes that everyone, regardless of the challenges they face, should have equal access to education and opportunities to better themselves. He is a member of the Pre-Dental Club and works as a Student Assistant with Disability Services. Edwardsen is passionate about expanding accessibility, encouraging civic engagement, and supporting campus mental health.

Erik Manousaridis is an incoming mechanical engineering transfer student. Outside of class, Manousaridis enjoys working on personal projects, hiking, biking, climbing, camping and hunting. Recently, Manousaridis has also taken an interest in jiu-jitsu and working out in a gym environment. New to politics, Manousaridis looks forward to learning more and finding ways to positively impact the community.

Nolan Morse, graduating 2030, is majoring in Secondary Education. He is participating in many student-run events on campus and playing on an intramural basketball team. He has worked as a manager for Planet Fitness and as a chief newspaper reporter. He would like to further involve himself into the inner workings of ASUAF and the university as a whole, as well as try to improve campus lifestyle as much as possible. His goal is the overall improvement of UAF.

Zanthus Thomas is a Biological Sciences student at the University of 91��Ƶ Fairbanks with a strong interest in healthcare, leadership, and public service. He is involved in Army ROTC and the 91��Ƶ Army National Guard, serves as Vice President of the Debate Team, and is preparing for a future career as a Doctor. As a senator, Zanthus hopes to be an approachable voice for students, advocate for their needs, and help create meaningful improvements to the student experience at UAF. He looks forward to connecting with students across campus, bringing their concerns forward, and contributing to a welcoming and engaged university community.

Victoria moved to Fairbanks in January of 2025 and quickly found her home with UAF. She is passionate about supporting students and helping them make the most of their college experience. With a background in project management, organizational theory, and leadership development, she is here to guide and empower student leaders, ensuring ASUAF government and media run smoothly and effectively serve the UAF community. When not working with students, you can find her exploring the 91��Ƶn outdoors with her camera in hand. If you need assistance, have an idea to share, or just want to chat - stop by ASUAF any time!