Michael “Axel” Brown was elected 2022-23 Student Body President in the spring 2022 Student Government Association elections. The Student Government Association exists to represent student interests to a wide variety of audiences, including UCCS administration, the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado, the City of Colorado Springs and the Colorado legislature.
Axel Brown seeks to foster a collaborative and transparent SGA this year as students return full force to campus after over two years of remote and hybrid learning.
Tell us about yourself. What are you studying?
My name is Michael Brown. I am a senior studying Social Work with minors in Criminal Justice and Human Resources.
What do you hope to accomplish as the president of SGA this year? What are your first priorities?
I hope to bridge the gap between SGA and the student body. My hope is that by the time Aidan [Vice President of SGA] and I are finished with our term in office that we will impact campus in a way that hasn’t been seen before. My top priority is being present, I want to make a statement by showing up to most if not all club events if I may.
Can you speak to the role that student governance plays in decision-making on campus?
The role that student governance plays in decision-making on campus is being the voice for those who keep the campus going. I believe that the student government’s voice holds weight when it comes to the policies that are upheld on campus. Just last year former President Emily Gregory was involved in the decision to remove the mask mandate from campus.
The pandemic impacted most of UCCS students’ educations. What is it like to have a fully on-campus experience this year?
Truth be told, it is a dream come true. For those who couldn’t have their “last dance” the way they envisioned must have been brutal. To see students on campus this year and smiling brings joy to not only my heart but the rest of Student Governments’ hearts as well.
How would you characterize your leadership style?
I would like to say that I have a participative leadership style. Before I go into anything that has to deal with the big picture of the campus or the students in general, I always consult my vice president Aidan Clark, Lana Khoshnaw and the rest of the Student Government Association to make sure we are on the same page. Every voice matters.
What are you most excited for about this 2022-2023 school year?
To be a Mountain Lion. It is sort of surreal to me to be able to say that I am not only graduating college but, also that I will be able to speak at my graduation. These were only dreams young Axel had and to be able to say I’m living my dream makes me excited to step on campus every day.
And finally, what is one thing we would never guess about you?
I am a father. I have two beautiful children named Leia Ava (4) and Matthew Arian(7). They are the reason I wake up every day and push to keep going.
Learn more about the Student Government Association and how to get involved by visiting their website.