Frank Smith III, at just 19-years-old has just become the youngest president on the Downtown campus to win re-election. According to an article in The Downtown Devil, Frank won by 59.3 percent. President Smith is a sophomore pursuing a degree in public service and public policy with a concentration in business. He wants to go on to get his masters, but Smith said that ultimately, he just wants to be happy in the end. The Mesa native is a very familiar face around the Downtown campus and can always be seen with a smile on his face making him this week’s ASU celebrity.
We’ve seen campaigns and speeches, but what is Smith really like?
What do you do in your free time when you’re not working?
According to Frank, he loves seeing movies, hanging out with friends, going out to dinner, or hiking. “It’s kind of hard because I don’t have a lot of free time,” laughs Smith.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
“When someone says ‘like’ after every word,” he said. But he also doesn’t like when people are running late.
What is your favorite thing to do around the downtown campus?
“Go to Stand Up Live,” Frank said. “I love going and seeing a comedy show.” The Stand Up Live Comedy Theater is a comedy club at CityScape who sometimes hosts shows for guests under 21-years-old.
In your opinion, what is the best food?
Chicken nuggets with ketchup.
Now that we know Frank Smith III as a person, let’s get to know him as the downtown president.
Who do you model yourself after as a leader?
President Smith said that he looks up to leaders who try to make an impact on the community. He admires student leaders like Valerie Hanna and Kaitlin Thompson of the Arizona Board of Regents. “Everyone has good things and bad things about them,” said Smith, so he does not have just one role model.
What other jobs have you had besides president?
Frank has grown up from his candy-selling days and has had a number of jobs at Arizona State. In his freshman year, Smith worked in Change Maker Central to connect students to non-profit organizations and helped them make a difference. Frank went on to become a senator representing a university college. In that position, he helped extend library hours as well as many other changes.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
One of the accomplishments that Smith is proudest of is helping pass Senate Bill 1208 that allows foster children to go to in-state universities or community college tuition free.