The youngest elected student body president in the history of Arizona State University will be stepping down this coming year after serving the downtown campus for two consecutive years.
Frank Smith III first began his journey freshman year, as a senator in the Undergraduate Student Government Downtown.
He then won the presidency and became the campus’ president his sophomore year. While it was an exciting time for him, Smith said he still had a lot to learn.
“It went to my head,” he said.
Nick Wicksman, student government chief of staff, described Smith’s first term as “combative.” There was a lot of tension between the executive board and senate, which didn’t sit well with many of Smith’s peers, he said.
Related: USGD members accuse President Frank Smith of manipulation throughout first semester
Smith said he knew there was a lot of tension and attributed it mostly to coming into his role with the attitude that he knew everything.
“This was my first leadership role, and no one’s perfect their first time around,” he said. “I thought I knew what was best for the students.”
Smith’s first term then led to what he described as a very negative campaign season last year between him and Alexis Kramer.
Ryan Boyd, chair of the College of Public Service and Community Solutions Council during Smith’s first term who became one of Kramer’s running mates, said that the two candidates didn’t get along before the campaign so when the campaign started, personal attacks started to fly.
“Last year’s campaign season got really really dirty, really really fast,” said Boyd, who is now vice president elect of policy.
Wicksman said the campaign became very intense due to a difference in the personalities of the two candidates, which fed into campaign tactics.
“There was a lot of hatred that turned into a ‘who can sling the most mud’ campaign,” he said.
Related: Smith, Kramer vie for votes in USGD debate
Boyd said Smith would often mandate something and not do it himself, and the perception of Smith was that he took credit for everything.
However, Smith ended up getting reelected by a large margin.
His second term, as described by Boyd, has been much better than his previous. Wicksman said Smith was more open to everyone during this term.
“He chose early on not to run again, so this term was really a ‘let’s see what we can get done’ as opposed to ‘let’s see what I can do that’s going to give me a better chance at campaigning,’” he said.
Corina Tapscott, downtown student government’s president elect, said Smith truly cared for the students and proved it during his second term.
“I applaud the efforts that were started this year under Frank’s administration and am very excited to continue, and increase the frequency of, such programs,” she said.
Smith said that he has now learned that student government is not just about one person. Everyone has something valuable to contribute to the conversation. Smith credited his internship at Vanguard Group for the team building skills he was able to use in his second term.
Smith said one of his biggest accomplishments as president was helping to establish the athletics fee, freeing up $10 million to be allocated to services such as test prep and improved advising.
Smith is now trying to pursue an internship with the city of Phoenix while taking 18 credit hours at the College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Smith said he hopes to become a city manager for a large municipality such as Phoenix, saying that working in public policy is where he believes he can make the most impact for the betterment of people’s lives.
Smith didn’t run for another position this year, but vowed to help Tapscott whenever she needs it.
Boyd said although it is time for change, Smith would be leaving on a positive note.
Smith said he learned many lessons from his experience that will help him in the future.
“It’s been an honor to be in this role and to serve the students,” Smith said. “This has changed my life completely.”
Contact the reporter at Sara.Vermilyea@asu.edu.
