Lucy Burns’ relationship with higher education began in her hometown of Murray, Ky, at a young age. Murray is a small college town with a population of just over 17,000 and is home to Murray State University. She fondly recalled growing up near the university. 

“My parents would drive me around and be like ‘I lived in this dorm, and this was where this class was.’ …So I think I’ve always been connected to college as a whole.” 

This connection to higher education has undoubtedly played a role in her success at NKU. “Growing up in a college town just made me realize all the opportunities that are at a college if you’re willing to take advantage of them,” Burns said. 

Murray is “about as far away as you can get from NKU and still be in the same state,” according to Burns. She told the story of how a simple Google search led her to Highland Heights. 

“I’ve always known I wanted to major in environmental science, so I googled it. I literally googled ‘best environmental science program in Kentucky.’ Number one was some private school that wouldn’t give me any money, and number two was NKU.” 

Environmental science may be Burns’ foremost passion, but she is far from a one-trick pony. The senior is a double major in environmental science and integrative studies, with minors in business management, political science and public service. On top of this, she is a member of the Honors College, which is considered an additional minor. All this combines for a total of two majors and four minors. 

When Burns first came to NKU in the fall of 2021, the university was rebuilding from the effects COVID-19 had on campus life. She credits the annual Fresh Fusion event as being the means through which she discovered SGA.

“I remember going to Fresh Fusion, and I was signing up for everything… I came in with the mentality of, I don’t know exactly where I’m gonna land, but I’m just gonna go for it and try everything.” 

Having some experience as a class officer for her student council in high school, Burns signed up for the yearly Student Government Association (SGA) Freshman Senate election and didn’t think much of it. 

“I did no campaigning, I didn’t make anything, I just kind of signed up. But somehow I made it,” Burns remarked. 

Burns went on to win Senator of the Year and then was made chair of the SGA University Improvements Committee. She was then asked to be the vice presidential candidate alongside Isaiah Phillips. After the Phillips-Burns ticket won the spring 2023 election, there was only one job left for Burns. 

“I decided to go out on a limb and run [for president], and I had no idea what was gonna happen.”

She picked Collin Jarrell, a sophomore SGA senator, to be her running mate. “I knew Collin could put in the work that I needed somebody to put in, and I knew he had a good head on his shoulders, so then we jumped in head first.” 

When asked what advice she has for freshmen just starting their days at NKU, her answer emphasized the same ethos of curiosity that she embraced during her first Fresh Fusion. 

“Keep your eyes and ears open, see what opportunities there are, and don’t overwhelm yourself. Don’t go nuts, but try to push yourself a little bit, because you don’t know what you’re capable of until you go out and try three or four different things and find what sticks.”

Burns will be graduating at the end of the spring semester and will be pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at NKU in the fall.