Achilles Smith

President (Students' Union)

Achilles was elected as President (Students’ Union) in March 2026 and took office on 1st July 2026.

Who is Achilles?

I’m Achilles, your Union President! Originally from Kansas, USA and I came to Bournemouth to study BA (Hons) Illstration.

As an illustrator and creative, I’ve always been drawn to the way art can bring people together. During my time at AUB, I found a community that encouraged me to create, collaborate and get involved. The Students’ Union became a huge part of that journey. From leading the LGBTQ+ Network to now serving as President, I’ve seen how important it is for students to have a space where they feel represented, supported and heard.

I’m passionate about building an SU that reflects the creativity and diversity of AUB. I believe the Students’ Union should be a place where students can share ideas, explore new opportunities and celebrate everything that makes our community unique. Bournemouth has given me so many opportunities to grow as an artist and as a person. I want every student to feel that same sense of belonging, connection and possibility during their time here.

I hope to continue creating opportunities for students to collaborate and grow their portfolio while making their voices heard.

What's the role of the President (Students' Union)?

I chair the Trustee Board, and a key part of that is making sure our finances are transparent – students deserve to know where their money is going, from tuition to course costs. I also sit on the Board of Governors alongside the University’s Senior Leadership Team, as well as on the Academic Board, Finance Committee, and EDI Committee. My role is to make sure student voices are heard at every level of decision-making.

What is Achillies Working On At The Moment?

Campaigns & Progress

Campaigns & Advocacy 5%

Student voice: Bringing student opinions and experiences into every meeting, focus group, committee, and board to make sure student interests stay at the heart of university decisions and keeping that conversation going between students and staff.
Cost of living: Continuing the Cost of Living fair while partnering with external groups, stocking the food pantry, and curating budget friendly recipes
Transparency: Highlighting the staff behind your Union – making our socials more personal and sharing the process and reasoning behind our projects and decisions.

Student Life & Community 5%

Student artwork opportunities: championing more creative open calls and student exhibotions to grow student portfolios and CVs.
Student Spotlight: a regular feature across newsletters, socials, and campus, celebrating student talent, projects, and achievements.
Art Auction: introducing a platform where students can showcase and sell their work- not only giving them professional exposure, but also letting them see how their art is perceived and valued beyond campus.
Market Days & Opportunities: supporting student-led businesses and initiatives with platforms to sell, share, and network.

Representation 5%

Course Rep conversations: Strengthening course rep conversations and making their feedback central to your Union’s work.
Student Assembly: Strengenthing a space where students can directly shape campaigns, hold officers to account, and influence priorities.
Centralising wellbeing: Keeping student wellbeing at the heart of AUBSU activity.

The Latest from Achilles

Which committees and working groups does Achilles attend?

AUB Board of Governors

Academic Board

Finance Committee

EDI Committee

Health & Saftey Committee

Safeguarding Committee

AUBSU Trustee Board

AUBSU Executive Committee

AUBSU Student Assembly