Alexiis McLean: Shaping Student Leadership and Campus Engagement at WSU Global Campus
When Alexiis McLean first enrolled at WSU Global Campus, she expected a steady journey toward a degree in management while she continued her full-time work in administration. What she did not expect, however, was how quickly she would step up into a major leadership position with Global Campus’ student government. Since the late spring of 2025, McLean has embraced her role as the Associated Students of Washington State University Global’s (ASWSUG) director of legislative affairs (DOLA), approaching the role with enthusiasm and a commitment to helping fellow students build confidence, find their voices, and advocate for themselves.
McLean’s leadership journey began when she first attended Coug Day at the Capitol, an annual event in which WSU students travel to Olympia, Washington, to speak to their government representatives about the issues that matter most to the WSU student body. It was there that she met Andria Donnenwerth, Global Campus’ director of student involvement and philanthropic engagement, who encouraged her to get involved with student government. Within months, McLean was able to secure the DOLA position. “I think it’s an amazing fit,” she says, “I feel like [the role] compliments my personality and what I’m passionate about, and I’ve really been able to make it my own.”
A central responsibility of the DOLA is preparing students for Coug Day. To support this work, McLean created Pathways to Coug Day,” a Zoom-based training series designed to help Global Campus students refine their leadership skills, identify strengths, and develop clear advocacy goals. Her hope, McLean says, is that “students feel empowered to use their voices and that their voices matter. Through my role, I want to help students see the bigger picture: that we’re helping future Cougs as well as current Cougs.” This, she explains, can be achieved not only through participation in events like Coug Day, but through any attempt to raise one’s voice on behalf of their community.
McLean’s drive to empower her fellow students also inspired her to establish the Global Business and Innovation Network (GBIN), a Global Campus organization affiliated with the WSU Carson College of Business. The mission of GBIN is “to empower WSU Global Campus students to become innovative, ethical, and globally-minded business leaders who drive positive change in their communities.” The organization will offer students opportunities to hear from speakers, explore various facets of the business world, and develop communication skills critical to their success. “With online education,” says McLean, “a lot of students might not have that exposure, so I hoped to create a club that could bring those experiences to one place.”
In addition to her formal duties, McLean makes it a priority to be accessible to students seeking academic and professional guidance. “We love to talk to students,” she says on behalf of the ASWSUG executive board, “if you were to reach out to any director, they will respond because [they] get so excited.” Having entered the Global Campus community later in life, she understands the importance of receiving personalized support like this when life gets overwhelming. She credits her professors, advisors, and student leaders with having provided her that type of support—and now sees herself as part of that network, eager to meet fellow students where they are and help them to thrive in the same way she has.
Depending on what your interests are, you can find your place here.
Alexiis McLean
Reflecting on her experiences with student leadership, McLean speaks to the sense of belonging it brought her as a Global Campus student. “I feel so connected to my fellow students and professors,” she says, “I was able to go down this winding road and end up here, and I feel like this is where I belong.” She encourages other students to explore opportunities with ASWSUG, explaining how there is a place for everyone. “Depending on what your interests are,” she says, “you can find your place here because there are so many opportunities, and each role is a little bit different.”
For McLean, stepping into leadership was transformative, and she hopes other students will discover similar confidence, connection, and purpose by getting involved, whether it be through clubs, student government, or simple engagement with their academic community. With these resources, opportunities, and supports available, there are no limits to what students can accomplish at WSU Global Campus.
About the Author
Emma Seckington is a writer for WSU Global Campus, working alongside the Marketing and Communications team to spotlight the unique accomplishments of Global Campus students, faculty, and alumni.