From High School Debate to D.C.: Ronan Spencer Explores Economic Impact of Lawmaking

LOGAN, Utah — Third-year student Ronan Spencer's path to a dual major in political science and economics began not in a college lecture hall, but behind a podium in high school speech and debate.

While serving as the speech and debate team captain at Corner Canyon High School, Spencer participated in mock congress, an experience that sparked a deep interest in the legislative process. After arriving at USU, his focus shifted from the performance of politics to the tangible consequences of policy.

"The more and more I got into political science, the more I realized that I was interested in the impacts of lawmaking," Spencer said. "That’s where I got into economics, is kind of learning about what happens when we put a certain law in place. What happens to the economy? Does it benefit it? Does it harm people or cause inflation?"

Spencer’s academic focus has translated into a series of high-level professional experiences. Last summer, through an alumni connection, he moved to Washington, D.C., to serve as a finance intern for the Republican State Leadership Committee.

Spencer credited the internship with providing unique networking opportunities, including coffee chats with influential figures and alumni through the Institute of Philanthropy and Voluntary Service housing program.

"Honestly, the best part of being in D.C. is just the proximity to so many powerful, important people," Spencer said.

His involvement extends beyond traditional internships. Spencer has participated in advocacy and youth involvement trips, including a campaign management program with the Leadership Institute and a national summit with the American Conservation Coalition.

On campus, Spencer has been active with the College Republicans and served as a guest legislative reporter for Utah Public Radio, where he interviewed state legislators daily. He is currently balancing his studies with a part-time internship in venture capital, exploring the intersection of finance and political leadership.

While his career goals remain broad, Spencer hopes to return to D.C. to work in policy, specifically in international affairs, business, education or health care.

Reflecting on his time in the School of Social Sciences, Spencer noted that the skills gained from international negotiation to data analysis are applicable far beyond the political sphere.

"Social sciences in general are a great place to be in because they really give you that worldly perspective of things," Spencer said. "A ton of things are political that you didn’t even think about."

Spencer originally chose Utah State to follow his sister, but he said the beauty of the Logan campus and the university’s rapid growth have confirmed his decision.

"I feel like people don’t give USU enough credit for how amazing their campus is and how much a campus can actually change a student’s education," he said.

To learn more about programs in the School of Social Sciences, please visit artsci.usu.edu/social-sciences.