Samantha Patterson Selected as December's Student Leader of the Month

New Student & Family Programs

Samantha Patterson

Junior Samantha Patterson has been selected as the December Student Leader of the Month. A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Samantha came to the University of Arkansas to major in political science and international relations. She is currently involved with the Volunteer Action Center Board and Honors College Ambassasdors. Samantha is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, the Pre-Law Society, Pi Sigma Alpha, Associated Student Government, and has served as a Parent Ambassador.

When asked why she became involved in these clubs and organizations, Samantha replied, "I got involved in the VAC and Honors College Ambassadors because they are service related. Service has always been a very important aspect of my life and I wanted to continue that as I began my college career. In my opinion, service is one of the best ways to learn more about those in your community and the issues that truly affect those around us. I chose to get involved with Pi Sigma Alpha and the Pre-Law Society because they relate to my major and have wonderful opportunities to learn more about potential careers and options after I graduate. Parent Ambassadors and Kappa Kappa Gamma have allowed me to make some incredible friends and surround myself with some of the kindest, brightest, and most involved people I have ever met."

According to Samantha, the most important qualities or characteristics of a leader are an ability to listen to others and adapt. She said, "First, being able to listen to others and take their criticisms and ideas and actually apply them is very important. I think the best leaders in my life were those who allowed me to express my opinions, even if they did not always use them. I believe this cultivates not only an amicable environment but allows a leader to help those around them to learn about leadership in their own ways. Adapting to your environment is also very important. As a leader, you often have many responsibilities and things to do, but when something goes wrong, if you are able to adapt rather than get upset and breakdown you become more effective and allow those around you to thrive."

The Student Leader of the Month award, sponsored by New Student & Family Programs, recognizes University of Arkansas undergraduate students for their excellence in leadership through campus involvement, leadership activities, or through volunteer and community service.  More information about the award can be found here.