About Us
ASWSUG was founded in 1998 — before distance learning had evolved into the online format that it is currently (at the time, most distance learning was done by mail!). As such, it was the first student government in the country that was created to help provide representation for students earning their degree from a distance.
Distance learning has changed since then, and so has ASWSUG. After careful consideration and planning throughout the 2019-2020 academic year, ASWSUG was restructured to provide the events, leadership opportunities, resources, services, and advocacy that Global Campus students have identified as their top priorities.
ASWSUG migrated in the 2020-2021 academic year from a traditional student government to an executive board with seven paid board members specializing in their respective areas of expertise, along with three specialized committees.
Meet Your ASWSUG Executive Board
Logan Shepard (he/him)
Major: Psychology
Expected Graduation: Fall 2029
Current City: Northern Cascades Region of Washington State
Contact: global.pres@wsu.edu
Hello, my fellow Cougs! It’s an enormous honor to be representing our amazing WSU Global Campus students as their ASWSUG president for the 2026-2027 academic year. I am extremely passionate about being the voice and advocate of our vast, diverse student body and believe that you represent some of the most inspirational and motivating legacies of our future. I am here for you and want to focus on continuing to make our experiences positive and more user-friendly.
When asked what I do, I have often made the joke “I can’t make this up” while explaining the many, very unique hats I have (and continue to) wear throughout my journey as an “elder millennial,” such as aviator, musician, sports entertainer, aircraft mechanic/restorer, sideshow performer, reality television personality, and legal advocate. Now, I proudly sport the title of “that crazy, cool uncle that always visits at the holidays” while pursuing a degree in psychology with an emphasis on pre-law studies. I am striving to become a strong advocate for those navigating our vast and often complicated legal system while having a very personal focus on legal malpractice at the same time (yes, there is a story there). I feel I am a great example of someone who proves that it’s never too late to go back to school and chase something bigger and better in life (Class of 2003… GO LHS WARRIORS!). I also strongly believe you must always be better and be the change you want to see in the world.
In my life away from academics, I have helped operate the Commemorative Air Force’s Rainier Squadron as a maintenance officer (2018-2023, 2026 to present), executive officer (2023-2024), and commanding officer (2024-2026), where I have served as a pilot, aircraft mechanic (A&P/IA) and volunteer curator. I am also involved with the Commemorative Air Force’s Airbase Arizona as a flight crew chief for the B-17G “Sentimental Journey.” I have a vast background in costumed charity work and spend what little other free time I have hiding in the mountains or singing to my dog (who is legitimately deaf).
Lastly, I have an unexplainable love of chainsaws and sauerkraut and have an uncanny resemblance to Kratos from the God of War videogame series.
Omi Yóòmi Ifáàláye (they/them)
Major: Cultural Anthropology
Minor: Indigenous Studies
Expected Graduation: 2027
Current City: Central Valley of California
Contact: global.vp@wsu.edu
Hello, fellow Cougs! I’m Omi Yóòmi, your 2026–2027 vice president for ASWSU Global Campus. It is a genuine honor to serve this community, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that every Global Campus student feels seen, heard, and represented in the decisions that shape their academic journey.
My background spans youth development, collegiate educational services, and grassroots community leadership. This work has taught me that meaningful advocacy always begins with listening. This year, my focus is on elevating student voices through survey-driven policy reform, with particular attention set on affordable and accessible tutorial services. I am also working to create more pathways for students to advocate for themselves directly through both in-person and online town halls; your experience matters, and you deserve to speak at the podium.
Outside of academics and student government, I am an author of decolonial literary fantasy. I am currently working on a trilogy, with my debut novel Talara: The Wild They Couldn’t Touch already in the world. I am also a practitioner and custodian of Indian classical music, studying the sarod within the Senia Shahjahanpur Gharana tradition. My life off-screen is rooted in permaculture, traditional ecological knowledge, and indigenous land management advocacy. I regard these practices as both personal callings and community responsibilities.
I am here to serve with intention, humility, and compassion. If you have ideas or concerns, or simply want to be heard, my door is always open. Go Cougs!
Alexiis McLean (she/her)
Major: Management
Expected Graduation: 2029
Current City: Western Washington
Contact: global.dola@wsu.edu
Hello, fellow Cougs! I’m Alexiis McLean, your 2026–2027 director of legislative affairs (DOLA) for WSU Global Campus. I’m excited to continue advocating for our student community and creating meaningful pathways for Global Campus students to engage in legislative work.
This year, I’m expanding Pathway to Coug Day, a program I launched my first term as DOLA to help students build confidence, understand the legislative process, and prepare for Coug Day at the Capitol.
A major part of the DOLA role is preparing for Coug Day at the Capitol, where students from across the WSU system travel to Olympia to meet with elected representatives and advocate for issues that matter to us. This event is a powerful opportunity to elevate student voices, influence policy, and ensure that Global Campus students are represented in statewide conversations. I look forward to supporting you through this experience, whether it’s your first time speaking with lawmakers or your next step in advocacy.
I live in Western Washington and work in aerospace administration, supporting rocket propulsion programs. I’m passionate about women in STEM and am pursuing a management degree with the goal of becoming a program manager. Currently, I’m working on my PMP certification! Outside of school and work, I love exploring Washington’s beaches with my dog, Luna, practicing yoga, training for half-marathons, and reading. And yes—my love for dinosaurs remains as strong as ever, so if you ever want to talk about rockets or prehistoric creatures, I’m your person.
I’m always here to listen, collaborate, and support your advocacy journey. I can’t wait to see you at Pathway to Coug Day and at Coug Day 2027! Go Cougs!
Madeleine DeGracia (she/her)
Major: Integrated Strategic Communications
Expected Graduation: Summer 2026
Current City: Seattle, WA
Contact: global.comm@wsu.edu
Hello, Cougs!
I’m a returning student, updating my skills to start a new career in public relations and community outreach. I first attended WSU in the late 1990s, where I studied broadcast production and theatre. Over the past three decades, I have had a fantastic career in performing arts production along with a rich home life. I have enjoyed and juggled work, home, family, friends, volunteering, and more. In 2026-27, I will be finishing my senior year, and my son will be starting his freshman year of college! I run on caffeine and a love of helping others to find resources and share stories. I am really enjoying being back at Murrow College of Communication, and I’m looking forward to using my organizational and community-building skills in a new field.
As this year’s director of communications and compliance for ASWSUG, I’m excited to connect with the Global Campus community. If you ever want to talk, my virtual door is always open. You can reach me at global.comm@wsu.edu.
Cris M. Hylton (he/him)
Major: Social Sciences
Expected Graduation: 2030
Current City: Spokane, WA
Contact: global.outreach@wsu.edu
Hello, everyone! I’m Cris, and I’m honored to serve as your director of outreach for the 2026-2027 school year. I am a nontraditional transfer student returning twelve years after earning my associate’s degree. Now that I have a firm grasp on my personal passions, I’m majoring in social sciences with concentrations in pre-law political science, history, and gender and sexuality studies (a bit of a change from my first major in Web Design!).
I come from humble roots in rural North Idaho, have lived in Portland, Oregon, and currently live and work in Eastern Washington. While the Pacific Northwest has always been my home, I am dedicated to fostering a community within WSU Global Campus where our students from all over the world feel a sense of belonging.
In my personal life, I am drawn to building community and have spent much of my free time volunteering as a director or managing coordinator with nonprofits that focus on entertaining educational events, including renaissance fairs, anime conventions, reader/author book events, student robotics competitions, and a pride parade. When I take a few moments for myself, I enjoy writing novels, playing board games, and stretching my legs with a bit of figure skating.
I look forward to helping build places where our vibrant WSU Global Campus student body can connect and learn together. If you have any questions or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out; my inbox is always open!
Aidan Aguero (he/him)
Major: Accounting
Expected Graduation: Fall 2027
Current City: Olympia, WA
Contact: global.finance@wsu.edu
Hello Cougs!
My name is Aidan Aguero, and I am honored to serve as your ASWSUG director of finance. I was born in Guam and am proud of my Chamorro heritage. Today, I live in Olympia, Washington, where I balance my roles as a student, accounting professional, and community volunteer.
I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in accounting through WSU Global Campus while working full-time as an accounting manager for a nonprofit organization. My professional experience has given me a strong background in budgeting, financial management, and organizational leadership, all of which I hope to use to serve our student body with transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Outside of work and school, I enjoy staying active through sports, spending time outdoors, camping, visiting the beach, and listening to music. I am also passionate about serving others and am actively involved in my local Catholic parish and community. Some of the most meaningful experiences in my life have come from working alongside others to make a positive impact.
As your director of finance, my goal is to ensure that student resources are managed responsibly and that every dollar entrusted to ASWSUG is used in a way that supports students and strengthens our community. I believe leadership is about service, and I am committed to listening to your ideas, representing your interests, and helping create opportunities that make your experience at WSU Global Campus even better.
I look forward to serving you and working together to continue building a strong and vibrant WSU Global Campus community. Go Cougs!
Elijah DeFoe (he/him)
Major: Integrated Strategic Communication
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Current City: Tri-Cities, WA
Contact: global.promotions@wsu.edu
Hey, Cougs! My name is Elijah DeFoe, and I am excited to be serving as your director of promotions during the 2026-2027 academic year. Since graduating high school a few years ago, I chose to attend Washington State University after earning my associate’s degree. Attending WSU virtually through Global Campus has allowed me to pursue a top-tier education while staying connected to my community and has granted me financial freedom after graduation.
I come from a tenured background in communications, having managed both personal and professional social channels and created content that has reached thousands. I enjoy engaging audiences from different backgrounds through meaningful content creation, and I am excited to apply this to our expanding student body. I have also served as a summer camp director and sat on an advisory council for two years aimed at improving K-12 school environments in my community.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling as a freelance photographer, playing guitar, flyfishing, cooking, and watching movies. The WSU network is strong and far-reaching, regardless of where students choose to study, and I look forward to serving you all throughout your educational journeys this year.
Go Cougs!
Gray Detzler (they/them/theirs)
Major: Anthropology
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Current City: Tacoma, WA
It is a privilege to serve the Global Campus student body in my role as the first-ever director of assessment for the 2026-2027 school year. This role was created by the previous executive board after they noticed an opportunity to address knowledge gaps by conducting systematic surveys that illustrate student perspectives. They decided that a role had to be designed to identify the needs and experiences of students so that the board could take steps to serve them effectively. The intention for this role is to assess areas where students’ needs are not being met and use that information to guide decision-making in programs and the allocation of funds.
A little background on me: I am the proud helicopter parent of a beautiful, brindle pitbull-Boston terrier mix, a distinguished young lady by the name of Gib. In my downtime, I conduct a never-ending, ruthless war against the relentless onslaught of weeds, slugs, ants, and other pests that have made their home in my vegetable garden. I also enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy novels.
I am ecstatic to step into a role that addresses an important unmet need. It is my hope that the information I gather will be effective in setting a precedent for advocacy that centers on the diverse experiences and complex lives of the WSU Global Campus student body.
