Seyi Arogundade, a Lewiston native, is serving as the Associated Students of the University of Idaho (ASUI) president this year, according to an April 11 announcement. She is set to graduate in spring 2026 with degrees in journalism and political science.
Arogundade’s story matters because she is the first Black woman elected to lead ASUI and aims to ensure diverse voices are heard within student government. Her leadership highlights ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and engagement among students at the university.
Arogundade said her early interest in journalism and politics began while working on her high school newspaper and participating in student council. “I think I was always interested in what journalists do and how it shapes the political world,” she said. After enrolling at the University of Idaho, where her father once studied agricultural engineering, she joined executive leadership boards before becoming chief of staff for former ASUI President Martha Smith.
Reflecting on her path, Arogundade recalled being inspired by a presentation from then-ASUI-president Tanner McClain during a campus visit as a high school senior. “His speech was inspirational,” she said. “I wanted to be able to command the room like that, to inspire other people.” She credits these experiences with motivating her goal of leading ASUI.
Her journey faced challenges after being diagnosed with lupus following her election win last spring. Despite health setbacks requiring hospitalization and recovery over summer break, Arogundade continued pursuing student advocacy work. “At first, it was kind of an emotional roller coaster,” she said about learning both how to manage her diagnosis and run an administration.
As president, Arogundade has worked with senators on new measures making Vandal club funding more transparent by publicly discussing requests and assigning senators for oversight. She also contributed an essay selected by NOTUS news publication about young Americans’ perspectives on Washington politics.
Looking ahead, Arogundade plans to prepare for law school after graduation while continuing efforts encouraging students’ involvement in campus life: “If you want your voice to be heard, you need to be in these rooms,” she said.
