The Office of Student Leadership
The Office of Student Leadership is dedicated to fostering relationships through student organization development, leadership training, and unique experiences. The Office offers a variety of programs for Arkansas Tech students looking to further their leadership development. We have programs for every level of leadership.
Student leaders of the month
The Student Leadership Development Office will honor an undergraduate student each month to recognize the constant contribution and impact that Arkansas Tech University students make every day. Students, Faculty and Staff will be able to nominate those students who consistently make a difference on our campus and in our community. The recipient should also serve as a role model in the ATU community and display exemplary leadership skills.
Emily Rickner
ATU Junior, Emily Rickner, from Van Buren, Arkansas, majoring in Elementary Education is our Student Leader for the month of January. Emily is the President of Phi Mu Fraternity, a member of Order of Omega, ATU Honors College, Educators Rising and works as a Housing Ambassador for Residence Life. A fun fact: Enjoys hiking and the coolest place Emily has hiked was Zion National Park.
2024
November 2024 - ELLI WHITE
ATU Senior, Elli White, from Malvern, Arkansas majoring in Journalism. Elli has the honor of serving as President of three on-campus organizations: the Student Government Association, the First-Generation Organization, and the ATU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She has also been involved with the new student orientation program, the ArkaTech, and serves on various campus committees. One fun fact about Elli is that she loves vintage cars, and she drives one!
October 2024 - DESTINY LORINGS
ATU senior Destiny Lorings, from Little Rock, Arkansas, is majoring in Nursing. As the president of the Black Student Association and an active member of the Student Nurse Association, Destiny is committed to her academic and leadership roles on campus. Her dedication to nursing and passion for supporting her peers reflect her ambition. A fun fact about Destiny is that she is aspiring to become a Nurse Anesthetist, bringing good care to patients in need.
september 2024 - PAYTON MCCAIN
ATU Junior, Payton McCain, is from Ozark, Arkansas, and graduated from Alma High School. She is a Middle-Level Education Social Studies major with a minor in English. Payton is a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority. A fun fact about Payton is that she works for the Universal Cheer Association, where she teaches cheer camps and works at cheer competitions.
February 2024 - SAVANNAH LEIGH
ATU Sophomore, Savanah Leigh from Conway, AR. Currently a triple major in psychology, sociology, and anthropology and geography. In her sophomore year but junior by classification. Involvement includes the Student Government Association, Presidential Leadership Cabinet, Alpha Sigma Tau, Pre-Law Society, Behavioral Science Club, Rotaract, and the Emerging Leaders Society, while also holding a student worker position at Norman Career Services. A fun fact about me would be that when I grow up, I want to be an FBI agent!
2023
November 2023 - HAYDEN EASON
ATU Junior, Hayden Eason, is from Centerton, Arkansas. He is an Information Technology with Networking and Security Major. Hayden is the President of the Esports Club, a Student Conduct Board Member, a Community Assistant for Network Gaming at Residence Life, and a Peer Career Advisor at the Career Center. Fun fact about Hayden, he loves concerts and went to 7 this year.
october 2023 - MAGGIE HEMMERT
ATU Senior, Maggie Hemmer. She is a nursing major with a minor in psychology, who currently serves as the Phi Mu Honor Chairwoman. She is currently the Resident Assistant in Caraway for the Phi Mu hall. Maggie is a part of the Student Nurses Association and Camp War Eagle as well. A fun fact about Maggie is that she has a brother that is almost 13 years younger than her and she got to cut his umbilical cord whenever he was born. This started her dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse.
september 2023 - kaleb starner
ATU Junior, Kayleb Starnes, is from Vandervoot, Arkansas. He is currently double majoring in Psychology and Sociology. During his time on campus, he has taken on the role of Housing Ambassador with Residence Life, been an Orientation Leader for two years, and currently holds the titles of President of the Honors Student Council and Secretary of the Behavioral Sciences Club. Kayleb also invests his time in Victory College Ministry. Lastly, Kaleb's fun fact is that he has a Pilot's license.
The Student Leadership Development Office would like to invite you to nominate students who you believe fit the following qualifications:
- Students in good academic and disciplinary standing
- Exemplifies leadership through personal development, organizational leadership, civic and community engagement
To nominate a student for student leader of the month fill out:
All nominations should be submitted by the last Friday of the month. Nominations are reviewed by staff members who will select winners. Any student not
selected will be kept on file and considered for future months.
Student Leader of the Month Recipients will receive:
- Student Leader of the Month Certificate
- Recognition on the Student Leadership Development Website
- Opportunity to be in the running for Leader of the Year, awarded at Evening of Excellence
LUNCH WITH A LEADER
Lunch with a Leader is a series of round table discussions that offer students a chance to learn from the experience of seasoned professionals from a variety of different fields as well as an opportunity to engage in conversation about the community as a whole.
Lunch is provided on a first come, first served basis. Click here to learn more.
FRESHMAN LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
The Freshman Leadership Experience is perfect for new students looking for an adventurous way to meet new people and get connected to the Arkansas Tech campus. This retreat allows freshmen to make connections with other Tech students interested in becoming a leader. Students participate in activities that give them the opportunity to make their mark at Arkansas Tech and challenge and empower them to work as a team and identify their strengths as a leader.