Meet your Council of Presidents: A Q&A with ASU Tempe’s Nikki Tran

This article is the fourth in a series of Q&As with ASU’s current undergraduate and graduate presidents. Read the Q&As with ASU’s Downtown Phoenix, West and Polytechnic presidents.

 It was ASU’s vision of the inclusion and success of all students that cemented junior computer science major and first-generation student Nikki Tran’s decision to become a Sun Devil.

 “It is by far the best decision I’ve ever made,” she said.

 Inspired by that vision of building community, Tran got involved with 942 Crew and decided to run for student government.

 “I wanted to branch out beyond clubs related to my field of study, to get more involved in my community and serve others,” she said.

 She served as the vice president of services before being appointed as student body president in November 2018, when the president and vice president of policy roles were vacant. She recently was re-elected as the incoming vice president of services for Undergraduate Student Government Tempe, where she’ll serve alongside incoming USG President Hanna Salem and Vice President of Policy Trey Leveque.

 Tran spoke to ASU Student Life about her time as Undergraduate Student Government president of ASU’s Tempe campus and her experiences as a Sun Devil.

ASU Undergraduate Student Government Tempe President Nikki Tran

What do you love about your ASU campus?

Tempe is the central hub of ASU. No matter where you’re from or what you’re interested in, there is something for everybody. There is never a dull day at the Tempe campus.

What do you wish everyone knew about your ASU campus?

The Safety Escort Services. We offer free rides across the Tempe campus every day of the week, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. in ASU vehicles. This is an alternative method of traveling around campus in a safe and prompt manner. The service can be reached at (480) 965-1515 or through the LiveSafe app.

Which project have you been most proud of in your time as president?

The project that I am most proud of is our Brunch n’ Ballots event that occurred on the 2018 midterm Election Day at our on-campus ballot center at Palo Verde West. With the help of many organizations, we successfully had a high voter turnout and even made national news!

Where are you from?

I was born in San Jose, Calif., and raised in Arizona.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to work in the industry as a software engineer after graduation. I would also like to get involved in philanthropy work, applying technical aptitude and leadership to the goal of improving others’ lives in various capacities.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about getting involved in USG or GPSA?

Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. While many people think of USG as a political organization, I’d consider it an organization that focuses on advocating for students. It’s important that there is representation and diversity in an organization such as USG.

What’s your favorite memory at ASU so far?

My favorite memory at ASU so far is the ASU vs. UA football game in 2017. I had the opportunity to be on the field the entire game as I watched our team claim back the Territorial Cup.