Hometown: Edwardsville, Illinois
Major: Master’s in Political Science
Future Plans: Earn a doctorate

Aaron Albrecht chose the University of Illinois Springfield “because of its reputation for strong academics and a supportive campus community.” He currently works full-time as a budget analyst with the Illinois Governor’s Office of Management and Budget in Springfield. On campus, he is a member of the Political Understanding and Activism Club and Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honors Society. In the community, he’s a member of the Illinois Old Time Fiddlers Association, where he plays the fiddle in a traditional, rural style. Albrecht is also a political activist in the peace, labor, and social justice movement. “I love the way in which the faculty at UIS go above and beyond to support, encourage, and mentor their students,” Albrecht said. “Particularly, Dr. Ali Nizamuddin, Dr. Richard Gilman-Opalsky, Dr. Sibel Oktay, Dr. John Transue, and Mrs. Barbara Van Dyke-Brown of the Political Science Department have made a lasting impact on my life and learning, and I cannot express how much I appreciate them and their contribution to our campus community.”

Leadership is lived at UIS. Every day.