Maddie Simmons
News
Creating Opportunity: BSU Graduate Maddie Simmons talks careers, sports and shaping futures
Wednesday, 27 May, 2026Bath Spa University Students’ Union has announced its newly elected Sabbatical Officers for the 2026/27 academic year, following the recent student elections. The officers will represent the student body and work to enhance the overall student experience across the University.
The new Sabbatical Officers are:
- President: Millie O’Sullivan-Adams
- Vice President Sports & Activities: Maddie Simmons
- Vice President Inclusion: Mia Latkovic
- Vice President Education: Evie Trembath
Maddie Simmons is working to strengthen student opportunities, improve accessibility to societies and sports, and help students make the most of university life in her role as Vice President Opportunities.
Maddie, who studied Media Communications and graduated in summer 2025, has spent the past year working closely with students and the Students’ Union to improve engagement, participation, and support across campus.
Before stepping into the role, Maddie worked in the SU Bar throughout her undergraduate degree and was heavily involved in the Women’s Football team. She said these experiences helped shape her understanding of student life and inspired her to apply to become a Sabbatical Officer.
Explaining further, Maddie said:
“Being in a society changed my life and my confidence and created a friendship group. So being able to help other students do the same would be amazing.”
Maddie believes opportunities outside of lectures and seminars play a key role in helping students build friendships, confidence, and professional experience during her time at university.
As Maddie puts it:
“Being in a society is how you make friends and connections. It’s a great break from the stress of university and being able to let off steam with like-minded people is just amazing.”
During her studies, Maddie also completed a fully funded placement in Vietnam, where she spent six weeks working in marketing and video editing for a triathlon brand. She says the experience had a significant impact on her confidence and career development and inspired her to help other students access similar opportunities.
Reflecting on her experiences, Maddie said:
“It’s helped me get so many opportunities since. Part of my role is wanting to tell students about the amazing stuff that careers can do and help other students get great opportunities for free.”
One of Maddie’s main focuses this year has been improving sports facilities and increasing accessibility to student activities. She has been working on a sports policy based on student feedback and has also introduced initiatives designed to help students stay connected and support employability.
Alongside this, the Students’ Union recently introduced a Participation Fund to help students with the costs of joining societies and sports clubs. The fund can support expenses such as sports kits and equipment, helping ensure opportunities remain accessible to all students during the cost-of-living crisis.
Speaking about the fund, Maddie said:
“If someone wants new football boots or a football kit or anything, they can apply for this fund. It just means that societies and sports are accessible for any student.”
Looking ahead, Maddie hopes to continue promoting the wide range of opportunities available at Bath Spa University and encourage more students to get involved in university life. Through improved communication, social media content, and increased funding support, she aims to ensure students feel connected, supported, and able to make the most of their university experience.