FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Senior Desmond Ja Ray Webb has been selected as the January Student Leader of the Month. 

Originally from Little Rock, Desmond came to the University of Arkansas to major in biology and psychology. He is currently president of the Psychology Club and a member of Alpha Chi Sigma. He  also serves as an Academic Enrichment Program mentor in the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education. 

When asked why he decided to become involved on campus, Desmond said, “I wanted to find ways to give back to those that enabled my attending the U of A. Making the transition for peers who have had similar experiences easier has always been a goal. I wanted those interactions to help me learn and gain perspective as a student and person.”

According to Desmond, the most important qualities of a leader are curiosity and empathy.

“A good leader should always want to know more so they can better serve those that choose to follow," he said. "Empathy allows a leader to make better informed decisions concerning the welfare of those around them.”

This desire to learn more correlates with his favorite quote, from Confucius: “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.”

The Student Leader of the Month award, sponsored by New Student and 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 at leadership.uark.edu.