State and External Affairs
Connecting student government with elected officials and ensuring student voices are heard in government
Prasidha Padmanabhan
Director of State and External Affairs
The Department of State and External Affairs aims to connect student government with those in elected office. This means working with the local, state, and federal government to ensure the voices of Chapel Hill students are heard and represented in government.
Contact: prasidha@unc.edu
Our Purpose
Our Mission
The Department of State and External Affairs aims to connect student government with those in elected office. This means working with the local, state, and federal government to ensure the voices of Chapel Hill students are heard and represented in government.
We build relationships with legislators, advocate for student priorities, and coordinate with other UNC System institutions on shared concerns.
Our Work
Current Initiatives
Legislative Engagement
Meeting with administrators about upcoming legislation and their impacts on students to ensure informed advocacy.
Student Representation
Meeting with legislators and representatives to ensure the voices of students are heard on issues affecting higher education.
UNC System Council
Serving as Vice Chair of UNC System Council of Student Body Presidents representing all 17 institutions across North Carolina.
Graduate Student Coalition
Coordinating North Carolina Graduate Student Coalition advocacy efforts on state-level policy with General Assembly representatives.
Our Team
Department Staff
Staff Members: Anusha Krishnan, Andrew Hiemenz, Walker Wilson