Meet Grace Kiernan, a junior political science student, who will serve as the Student Senate’s new president. Photo contributed by: Grace Kiernan
Grace Kiernan, a junior political science major, has many affiliations at the University of Rhode Island in addition to being the newly elected Student Senate president.
Kiernan started her career on Senate her freshman year in the fall 2019 semester as a first year senator before being elected as an on-campus senator for the following semester. Since then, she has held the position of External Affairs Chair for the past two years. She was sworn in as president on April 6.
“I have watched three great presidents before me,” Kiernan said. “Nick Marotta was president when I was a freshman, Austin Ramsey, who I considered my freshman year mentor, she was, like, so inspiring to me. So, in the back of my mind, I kind of always was like, ‘what if I ran for president?’”
Kiernan said she was uncertain if she would run for president until around January of this year, but was convinced by the encouragement of her peers.
In addition to her commitment to the Senate, Kiernan is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and is also one of the founding members of the Mock Trial club at URI.
Kiernan had been inspired by political science since a young age, saying she dreamed of being a lawyer from around age 9. This interest was encouraged by her grandfather, who had his own practice.
She expressed this interest in high school, joining the Model United Nations club, as well as holding a position on her class council. She said was drawn to URI’s Student Senate at first night, the night where on-campus residents can explore the University’s organizations before school starts.
“I signed up right then and there,” Kiernan said. “I went to the office, I got my declaration form and it’s been like, the most amazing thing I’ve been a part of at URI.”
Kiernan said one of her favorite aspects of the Student Senate is the community aspect and the bond all the senators have. Even though she is originally from East Greenwich, Rhode Island, Kiernan said having so many friends on the Senate is what helped her homesickness and made her feel at home at the University.
“I’ve met some of the best people that I’ve met in my life [in Senate],” Kiernan said. “My friends like to joke that I’m literally always in [the Senate office], but it’s fun, like, we make it fun.”
Kiernan has many plans moving forward in her new position. Some student affairs topics she hopes to tackle include dismantling the Narragansett three-person housing ordinance.
She also expressed her interest in solidifying student safety, especially for females who might be walking around campus at night.
Student Senate Speaker of Assembly Christopher Bove had nothing but positive things to say about the new president.
“Grace has demonstrated time and time again her outstanding work ethic and her resolve to be a voice for all students at URI,” Bove said. “I know she will do big things as president and I look forward to supporting her every step of the way.”
Kiernan also hopes to organize new welcoming events and tactics for students since coming back from the COVID-19 pandemic and is excited to start her work advocating for students.