Student Leader of the Week: Mandi Havens

Photo Submitted

Mandy Havens is the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement's Student Leader of the Week for Sept. 19-25.

Havens is from Prosper, Texas, and is majoring in advertising public relations with a minor in art.

Havens is working as a resident assistant and is also involved in the Razorback yearbook, the Navigators Leadership, Bible study leader and in the Friday Night Live as a student coordinator. Havens became involved in these activities as she likes being able to influence the world around her and because she enjoys meeting all the interesting people that comes along with that.

Havens sees humility and flexibility as one of the key characteristics of a leader. "Even people on pedestals make mistakes and I think it is important to take responsibility for those mistakes and learn from them," she explained. "I think it is important to remember that the only reason you have power is because those you are leading give you that power. Don't take advantage of it and don't tell someone to do something that you aren't even willing to do yourself.

Haven's most memorable Razorback moment was when she had access to Razorback gymnastics while working as a photographer for the Razorback yearbook. This made her feel like she was part of something bigger than herself.

Her favorite quote is from Proverbs: A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his step.

The Student Leader of the Week award recognizes a University of Arkansas undergraduate student for excellence in leadership through campus involvement leadership activities or through volunteer and community service programs.

The criteria for nominated students are:

• Good academic and disciplinary standing with the University of Arkansas
• Organizational leadership, citizenship and community building.

The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement invites the campus community to nominate students who fit the qualifications. All nomination forms should be submitted to Adrain Smith, assistant director of Leadership in the Center for leadership and Community Engagement, Arkansas Union room A665, or via e-mail at atsmith@uark.edu by the first Friday of each month. All nominations will be kept on file and considered for future weeks.