Student Spotlight: Amie Stanley, Political Science and Marketing

There was no debate whether Amie Stanley would attend UAA after graduating from Chugiak High. "It was an easy decision," said Amie.

Amie double majors in political science and marketing, and minors in communication. She is very involved in her sorority and is an asset to UAA's nationally recognized debate team.

"I've always been interested in government and how policy is formed, and debating really played a role in developing this interest," said Amie.

Amie has been actively involved on UAA's debate team for the last three years. She joined the team after competing, and winning, our intramural Cabin Fever Debates in 2008.  Since that time, she won at the Novice Nationals in 2008 and the Hugill Cup Intervarsity in 2009.  She was selected to represent UAA at the 2010 World Championships in Turkey.  Last spring, she was a quarterfinalist at the 2010 U.S. Universities Debating Championships and placed as the fourth Top Speaker in the nation. Most recently, she and her partner were recognized as semifinalists at the Yale Invitational Tournament and the only American finalists at the Hart House Invitational Tournament.

"Debate has allowed me to meet teams from all over the world. It's a lot of work, but I wouldn't trade it for anything," Amie said.

When she isn't at a tournament, she likes to volunteer to judge high school debates, or plan activities with her sorority. Amie is the Tri Sigma Treasurer of the Eta Zeta chapter and Philanthropy Chair. She also sits as Treasurer of Panhellenic council. The Panhellenic council represents fraternity women standing for good scholarship, good health, maintenance of fine standards and service to their college community. Greek life has given Amie the opportunity to meet many great people and interact with the college community, creating lasting memories and friendships.

Early in her collegiate career, Amie spent a lot of time helping UAA Student Activities organizing events and concerts for students.

"Working with Student Activities gave me the opportunity to put together concerts and to interact with the band members on a more personal level. It's really neat to work on an event knowing I played a role in its success," she said.

It was these opportunities that sparked her interest in pursuing a double major in marketing.

Amie believes that UAA is Anchorage's centerpiece, making it more of a hometown rather than a city. "There is a community here, you just need to look for it. I've been able to watch UAA grow as I have."

Amie feels she's been able to experience great opportunities and experiences because UAA is so tightly connected with Anchorage's community and says she'll miss that when she graduates next year.

After graduation, she wants to do some traveling before enrolling in a master's program in political management.