SIUE Political Science Senior Prepared to Lead as Local School Board Member

EDWARDSVILLE - “Right now, people across the country are ready for a new generation to step up and lead.” Granite City native Zack Nunn is ready to put his words into action

Nunn will graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Saturday, May 11 with a bachelor’s in political science from the College of Arts and Sciences. He has already added a major leadership role to his resume, as this spring he was elected to the Granite City School Board.

“I’m excited to get to work on my hometown school board,” Nunn said. “It’s going to be a new experience for me, but I think straight out of college, it’s a good way to get thrown into being an adult out in the real world, making tough decisions.”

The 22-year-old’s successful election was no small feat. He was one of seven candidates vying for three open seats.

Nunn turned in close to 75 petitions, exceeding the 50-petition requirement, to secure a place on the ballot. He then knocked on an estimated 2,000 doors, introducing himself to voters and promoting the important impact he intends to make.

“I know what it’s like to be in the students’ shoes, because I was in those shoes just four years ago,” explained the former Granite City High School student body president. “I also know what it’s like to transition from high school to college, to look into the job market, and basically what we as a district should be doing to prepare our students for the next step. I will bring a fresh perspective.”

Nunn credits his studies at SIUE and experience working on statewide political campaigns with helping prepare him to run for office.

“Dr. Moffett’s political science 300 course taught me how to use data to make decisions,” Nunn said. “I used that when determining which voters to try and contact, which people to target. My classes also taught me how to conduct research. This will help me most once I begin on the school board. I’ll be researching issues and helping determine the best path forward.”

His advice for others his age with a desire to hold an office: “If you’re interested in running for office, you should start small, but go for it. Don’t get in line and wait your turn. Society is ready to hear new ideas from the younger generation.”

School board duties aren’t the only item on Nunn’s future agenda. He is currently applying for jobs. He also plans to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in July, as he is considering going to law school.

Central to SIUE’s exceptional and comprehensive education, the College of Arts and Sciences offers degree programs in the natural sciences, humanities, arts, social sciences, and communications. The College touches the lives of all SIUE students helping them explore diverse ideas and experiences, while learning to think and live as fulfilled, productive members of the global community. Study abroad, service-learning, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities better prepare SIUE students not only to succeed in our region's workplaces, but also to become valuable leaders who make important contributions to our communities.

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