AVÀÇÂÛ̳

The role of the ASUAF President is to uplift, unify and represent the UAF student body by acting as a bridge between students and administration. 

Jackson Nelson serves as ASUAF’s 103rd president. As a senior pursuing computer science and business, he brings a scientific mindset and strategic vision to student government. With ambitious goals for UAF’s future, Jackson is committed to enhancing the campus experience for every student and re-establishing ASUAF as an integral and proactive campus institution that translates student voices into action. 

As President, Jackson is dedicated to advocating for increased campus accessibility, improved student dining and strengthened academic policies and support systems. 

I am dedicated to driving innovation in the energy sector and ensuring that the perspectives of our student community are effectively represented.

Alongside my studies, I engage in rock climbing and fitness training, and I am involved in organizations like the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). As a member of ASUAF, I address student concerns and improve campus life, specifically in mental health and academic support.

Do not hesitate to reach out—I welcome the opportunity to connect and explore collaboration!

Lilly Varney is an ambitious young professional currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at the University of AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Fairbanks. A proud graduate of Chugiak High School's Class of 2024, she is building a strong foundation in leadership, organizational management, and community involvement as she works toward her long-term career goals in business and nonprofit work.
Although originally from Salisbury, Maryland, Lilly has lived in AVÀÇÂÛ̳ since the age of 10 and considers it her true home. The sense of resilience and community found in AVÀÇÂÛ̳ has shaped her into a hardworking, adaptable, and driven individual. Beyond academics and service, Lilly is a passionate traveler who has visited 11 countries and embraces every opportunity to learn abut different cultures and connect with new people. She also enjoys reading, attending concerts, and camping during AVÀÇÂÛ̳'s summer months, activities that reflect her love of both creativity and the outdoors.
Lilly's unique blend of academic dedication, community involvement, and cultural curiosity continues to guide her as she pursues her education and explores opportunities to make a positive impact in both her local community and beyond.

Bonnie was raised in Delta Junction, AVÀÇÂÛ̳. She is a sophomore majoring in Political Science with a minor in Paralegal Studies. She is currently the Vice Chair of the Coalition of Student Leaders and Treasurer of Pi Sigma Alpha. She is also a student worker on campus. Her passions with ASUAF lie in giving every student a voice, increasing on-campus accessibility, and getting students more involved.

Brynn was born and raised in interior AVÀÇÂÛ̳. She is majoring in English with a minor in American Sign Language. She is currently the President of UAF's ASL Club, and has a lot of passion for increased accessibility on campus. She also works as a Student Administrative Assistant in UAF's Student Success Center. She intends to take the feedback she has heard in her various roles at UAF and using that knowledge to help improve UAF for everyone now and in the future.

Eugene Wiltz is a dedicated student leader at the University of AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Fairbanks, serving in student government with a strong commitment to representing the UAF student body. Passionate about creating a better campus for all, Eugene focuses on improving access to mental health resources, promoting transparency and accountability in university finances, and ensuring every student’s voice is heard. Through his work, he strives to build a stronger, more inclusive, and supportive UAF community.

I’m committed to building a campus that’s more connected, inclusive, and sustainable—one where current students thrive, future students feel welcome, and alumni are driven by the continued actions of UAF.

A successful tenure looks like strengthening the relationship between ASUAF and the student body while creating a more proactive and responsive bridge between student needs and university action. Above all, I want to ensure every voice is considered, no matter the UAF campus, field of study, or personal and cultural background. 

Sarah is currently a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences. She is passionate about ensuring that all students on campus are represented in an equitable manner, specifically rural students. She joined ASUAF because of this passion. Aside from being a senator, she also attends school full-time and is an office assistant for the university’s Office of the Bursar. She plans to take her knowledge of how the university’s fiscal system works and use it to help inform the decisions that affect every student.

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.

Mack Benn is a second-year student at UAF studying Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Mack’s a born and raised AVÀÇÂÛ̳n, 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.

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

This is my first year at UAF, and I'm studying Political Science. I am here at ASUAF as I think it is essential that every student gets the most out of the experience that they are potentially going into thousands of dollars of debt for, and the best way to achieve this is to make sure students’ voices are heard.

My name is Mateo and this is my first year at UAF. I’m majoring in political science and minoring in foreign languages. I joined ASUAF because I’m passionate about every student having the tools they need to succeed.

Even though Jacob is only a freshman at UAF, he has been taking a running start to be the change he wants to see on campus. As a Secondary Education major, he has an extreme passion for equal education and opportunities for all– because of this, he is working to bring an Educators Rising chapter to UAF and producing accessible resources for education students to learn about trauma-engaged practices in AVÀÇÂÛ̳n schools. Aside from Educators Rising, one of Jacobs main goals is to conduct a study on levels of education in rural AVÀÇÂÛ̳ compared to bigger cities and push for more education and opportunity in those areas.
As a Senator, Jacob hopes to be a voice for students who feel like change is thousands of miles away and be a listening ear for anyone who needs it. He believes that it’s important for our campus to be as accessible and equal as possible, and you can’t have that without student opinions and voices.

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 AVÀÇÂÛ̳, 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. 

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 AVÀÇÂÛ̳n 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!

Caydence is a second year student majoring in marine biology. She joined ASUAF because she wants to help fellow students wherever and whenever she can. She is always open to people reaching out to her for anything they may need.