Three Union University alumni, Katrina Robinson (D-Memphis), Jesse Chism (D-Memphis) and Chris Todd (R-Jackson), were elected to the Tennessee General Assembly last fall, and they are the first Union graduates elected to the state legislature in years.
Sean Evans, chair and professor of political science at Union University, said the election of these alumni is very important to the university, and he hopes to see more enter these roles in the future.
“Union prides itself on loving God and loving people,” Evans said. “Having Union alumni in government is an important way of loving people, as [the] government can do things that we as individuals and groups cannot.”
Mac Hazlerig, a junior political science major, said it is encouraging to see Union graduates in these positions.
“As a student studying politics and as someone who eventually wants to run for office myself someday, I think it’s really encouraging to see people from Union being elected,” Hazelrig said. “It’s also a testament to all the great ways that Union helps prepare its students for their careers, wherever they might end up.”
Union’s core values can be illuminated in their new roles, and Evans explained that there are many areas in government where these values are highlighted.
“It’s Christ-centered in that government is a means of helping us understand the common good and then realizing it,” Evans said. “It is people-focused as government serves the people and helps solve community problems.”
Evans said these alumni have impressive backgrounds and have already been placed in two very important committees in the House. Todd has been elected to serve as the majority assistant floor leader, and Chism has been appointed to the commerce committee.
Hazlerig said Robinson’s story of becoming a representative is truly inspiring. From being a teenage mother who worked her way through college to become a nurse, she is now a state senator representing Shelby County.
“All three of these Union alums will be writing, sponsoring and voting on legislation in our state government, and their success is something we should all be proud of,” Hazlerig said.
