On October 23-26, the Owls competed in the 21st annual Vanderbilt University Model United Nations (VUMUNS) in Nashville, Tenn.
With topics spanning from human rights and international environmental crises to a fictional replay of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Avengers: Infinity War, or Harry Potter, VUMUNS challenged students to think creatively in solving real-world issues.
Although the conference got off to a rough start when their keynote speaker, a three-star general, cancelled because of the government shutdown, Vanderbilt students quickly rebounded when they started their first committee session.
Vanderbilt’s model united nations conferences have historically been student-run, and Naomi Kim, this year’s VUMUNS secretary-general, was excited to take up the mantel.
“We are thrilled to host this year’s conference and to bring together bright, passionate students for an exciting weekend of diplomacy, critical thinking, and collaboration,” said Kim.
With over eight different committees to choose from, MUS students had no shortage of engaging opportunities. In just under fifteen hours of committee, delegates were tasked with researching and drafting countless working papers, resolutions, and crisis notes while debating and arguing issues like international drug trafficking and human rights abuses with their peers.
High school students traveled from around the nation to attend this conference, representing Florida, Alabama, Palo Alto, Calif. and Minnesota. MUS students met and debated with some of the strongest model UN delegates in the nation.
Carson Alexander (11) led the Owls in awards with an honorable mention.
Vanderbilt has one of the leading law programs in the nation. The 2025 U.S. News & World Report ranked Vanderbilt’s law program at 14th in the nation, and our students had the opportunity to meet dozens of Vanderbilt law majors who inspired them to continue pursuing careers in law.
Senior Kevin McCullers is a government club veteran and greatly enjoyed the atmosphere and challenge of the conference.
“Vanderbilt Model UN was a learning experience that taught me about the inner workings of global government and life on a college campus,” he said,
Outside of committee sessions, students engaged with the Vanderbilt community through a campus tour and delegate social during the trip. Students enjoyed live music at local restaurants and the rich culture of Nashville.
The Government Club at MUS has two more major events planned for this year. Seniors and juniors will travel to American University to compete in the esteemed AmeriMUNC competition this February, while MUS students will travel back to Nashville this upcoming April for the YMCA’s Youth in Government conference.
