{"id":279,"date":"2020-11-10T14:43:16","date_gmt":"2020-11-10T14:43:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/usg\/?page_id=279"},"modified":"2026-04-13T20:54:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T20:54:01","slug":"legislative","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/usg\/members\/legislative\/","title":{"rendered":"Legislative Branch Members 2025-2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ryan<\/span> Kasik<\/span><\/div>
Senate Chair | Residence Life Senator<\/div>

Hey, I'm Ryan Kasik and I'm a third year Political Science Major and the Senate Chair\/Residence Life Senator in USG. Last year I served as a Senator At-Large and was a member of the the A.P.S.S. committee. I also represented Bulger Residence Hall in Hall Government and I'm a member of College Democrats. I plan on attending law school in the future and I'm currently working at the Bliss Institute of Applied Politics. I'm excited to continue serving the undergraduate student body in USG this year. Go Zips!<\/p><\/div>

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Megan<\/span> McCracken<\/span><\/div>
Vice Senate Chair | Senator for CEPS<\/div>

Hi Zips! My name is Megan McCracken and I am the Vice Senate Chair and Senator for the College of Engineering and Polymer Science for Undergraduate Student Government. Previously, I have held positions in the legislative branch as the Senate Clerk and Senator for the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. Outside of USG, I hold leadership positions as the Secretary of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Director of Community Outreach for the AK Rowdies. I am also involved in Elevate, the Steel Bridge Design Team, the Society of Women Engineers, the Honors College, and I am a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. I'm looking forward to continuing to make an impact and working with my branch to make this year the best it can be. Go Zips and go USG!<\/p><\/div>

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Logan<\/span> Simas<\/span><\/div>
Senator At-Large<\/div>

Hey! My name is Logan Simas, and I'm a first year student. I am a history major as a part of the 3+3 law program. This will be my first year in USG, and I'll be serving in the Senate as a Senator-At-Large. This year, I'll be working in the Student Engagement Committee to help enhance the community here at Akron. Outside of USG, I am the Director of Underclass Relations for the AK-ROWDIES, the official student section for Akron Athletics. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I will always do my best to help. If you see me on campus, don't be afraid to say hi! Go Zips!<\/p><\/div>

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Eliza<\/span> Kleinschmidt<\/span><\/div>
Senator At-Large<\/div>

Hi Zips! My name is Eliza Kleinschmidt. I am in my first year at the University of Akron with a major in Biomedical Science. I serve as a Senator at Large within USG and can't wait to get started serving the student body! Go Zips!<\/p><\/div>

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Genevieve<\/span> Shelton<\/span><\/div>
Senator At-Large<\/div>

Hi! I'm Genevieve Shelton, I'm a Sophomore studying Political Science in the 3+3 program, and I'm a senator at large and the head of the FAST committee.<\/p><\/div>

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Sridevi<\/span> Swaminathan<\/span><\/div>
Senator At-Large<\/div>

Hey Zips! My name is Sridevi Swaminathan and I am a current freshman majoring in Biology with a minor in Bioethics. I am apart of the LECOM Medical School EAP program here at UAkron. Outside of USG, I am a part of the Emerging Leaders program, and an avid activist in terms of reproductive health. Additionally, I am truly honored to serve as one of your senators for this school year.<\/p><\/div>

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Noah<\/span> Sterns<\/span><\/div>
Senator At-Large<\/div>

Hello! My name is Noah. I am a sophomore Chemistry student and a member of the Williams Honors College. I am a Senator-at-Large and a part of the APSS (Academic Policy and Student Success) Committee. Some of my other involvements include Emerging Leaders and Hiking Club.<\/p><\/div>

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Forest<\/span> Pence<\/span><\/div>
Senator At-Large<\/div>

Hello everyone! My name is Forest Pence, and I am a 4th-year geology major and physics minor. I will be serving as a Senator At-Large this year. I have previously been involved with USG as a Project Manager and as a member of the Diversity Committee. Outside of USG, I have previously been the Vice President of Pride in STEMM and the President of Geo Club, and I currently serve as the Treasurer of LGBTUA. When I'm not in class or involved on campus, I may be reading or staring at rocks. My hope for this year is that I can be an ear for the student body and work on projects that help make being a student here even better. Go Zips!<\/p><\/div>

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Carmine<\/span> Messmer<\/span><\/div>
Senator At-Large<\/div>

Hey Zips! My name is Carmine Messmer, and I\u2019m looking forward to serve as a Senator at-Large in Undergraduate Student Government this year. I\u2019m a first-year student double majoring in Political Science and Global Studies. I\u2019m looking forward to speaking and collaborating with students across all colleges and organizations to improve student life both inside and outside the classroom. If you ever see me around campus, don\u2019t hesitate to say hi or share what\u2019s on your mind.<\/p><\/div>

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Kendall<\/span> Gnap<\/span><\/div>
Senator for the William Honors College<\/div>

My name is Kendall Gnap and I am going to be to the Senator of the Williams Honors College. I\u2019m a Freshman who is majoring in Political Science, and hoping to attend our law school in a few years. I am also apart of the Emerging Leaders community.<\/p><\/div>

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Garin<\/span> Prough<\/span><\/div>
Senator for the Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences<\/div>

Hey Zips! My name is Garin Prough. I am a second-year PPE (Philosophy, Political Science, & Economics) student, as well as the Senator for the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. I have had the privilege of being involved with the office of Orientation and First-Year programming as an Orientation Leader and as a First-Year Forefront Mentor. Additionally, I was involved with Residence Life & Housing as an Emerging Leader during my first-year. In my free time, I enjoy music and skating.<\/p><\/div>

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Rylee<\/span> Flickinger<\/span><\/div>
Senator for the College of Business<\/div>

Hi! I\u2019m Rylee Flickinger, a political science major currently serving as the Senator for the College of Business. Outside of USG I\u2019m involved with ZipsVote, the League of Women Voters, Ignite, College Democrats, French Club, Hiking and Outdoors club, and I\u2019m currently interning for Congresswoman Emilia Sykes in her District office. Looking forward to serving my constituents!<\/p><\/div>

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Currently<\/span> Seeking<\/span><\/div>
Senator for the College of Health and Human Sciences<\/div>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p><\/div>

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Scottie<\/span> Spears<\/span><\/div>
Senator for Off-Campus Living<\/div>

My name is Scottie Spears and I am a sophomore studying political science. I am the chairman of the Student Engagement Committee in the Senate. I am the President of the AK-ROWDIES, a UA Ambassador, I worked as an Orientation Leader and New Roo Weekend leader, a member of the Honors College, served as Junior Counselor at American Legion Boys Nation , and am a member of the College Democrats of UA.<\/p><\/div>

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Jeremiah<\/span> Stalnaker<\/span><\/div>
Senate Clerk<\/div>

My name is Jeremiah Stalnaker, and I am a second-year Political Science major with aspirations of pursuing a JD. This will be my first year as a member of USG, where I\u2019ll be serving as the Senate Clerk. I\u2019m also involved with the College Democrats and excited to begin my first full year with the organization. Outside of USG and campus involvement, I hold a full-time position overseeing maintenance and renovation coordination for multiple properties across Northeast Ohio. I\u2019m eager to collaborate with my colleagues and thrilled to offer support that positively impacts our fellow Akronite students!<\/p><\/div>

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Owen<\/span> Bass<\/span><\/div>
First Year Senator<\/div>
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Cheyenne<\/span> Blankenship<\/span><\/div>
First Year Senator<\/div>
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