In April, Miami students elected a new Student Body President and Vice President, Meaghan Murtagh and Vincent Smith. It’s important to get to know your elected officials in any situation, so we interviewed them both on why they ran and what they plan to do for the university.
Meaghan Murtagh is a junior Marketing major from Andover, Massachusetts.
Vincent Smith is a Kinesiology major with a Pre-Med co-major from Westerville, Ohio.
Why did you decide to run for Student Body President and Vice President?
Meaghan: I decided to run for Student Body President for multiple reasons. I have been a part of ASG [Associated Student Government] since my freshman year, and it has greatly impacted my college experience. Freshman year I was an On-Campus Senator, and Sophomore and Junior year I served as the Secretary for Advancement and Alumni Affairs. I have loved being able to make a difference at Miami, and wanted to continue. Miami has become my home away from home, and I wanted to give back to the community.
Vincent: I decided to run for Student Body Vice President after being approached in the fall by Meaghan. As a student who was not a part of ASG, I wanted to bring in an outside perspective to the different issues ASG faces.
What are you hoping to do as President and VP?
Meaghan: I am hoping to be an advocate for Mental Health Awareness, combat the overconsumption of alcohol problem on campus, and continue to raise funds for the Student Success Fund. The Student Success Fund is a scholarship fund that students can apply for. It covers expenses that financial aid would not regularly cover.
Vincent: I want to work on the diversity climate that we are portraying to the current and prospective students. Alcohol and mental health policies and wait times are something that I am passionate about.
What got you interested in student government?
Meaghan: In high school I worked for a local campaign. I loved being part of the community and meeting so many people. I wanted to continue that opportunity in college.
Vince: I have always had an interest in the behind the scenes work that goes on with any form of government in terms of the creation of policy.
What else do you do on campus?
Meaghan: I am a part of the Miami University Equestrian Team and the Chi Omega Sorority.
Vincent: I am a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, I am heavily involved in undergraduate research in the Kinesiology department, and I am on the executive board of Minority Association of Premedical Students.
What does “Love and Honor” mean to you?
Meaghan: Love and Honor means to me that all students will strive to be honest, respectful, and caring towards one another. To always act with integrity and kindness.
Vince: Love and Honor to me is a mantra that perpetuates the idea of togetherness, compassion for each other, and a having a sense of responsibility for the well-being of class members on campus, off campus, and in the workforce of the future.
We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish as President and Vice President!
