Students Redefine Leadership, Receive Awards

Photos Submitted

Recipients Jodi Nimmo and Michael Elkins

Michael Elkins and Jodi Nimmo are not your typical student leaders. Already involved with work, family, and that thing called "life," these students made the decision to add a college degree to the mix. Their exceptional efforts are now being recognized by the University of Arkansas. Elkins and Nimmo are the recipients of the 2015 Arkansas Alumni Association Non-Traditional Student Leadership Award, sponsored by Off Campus Connections.

A non-traditional student is defined as an undergraduate student with one or more of the following characteristics: 25 years or older, with dependents, married, returning to school after a period of time, G.E.D. instead of high school diploma, works full-time, financially independent, or part-time student.  Along with academic eligibility, this award evaluates and acknowledges challenging personal situations or environment, leadership on and/or off campus (including family, community service, job or career development), impactful academic experiences, and the promise for the future.

Elkins is a senior studying biochemistry in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. "Michael is one of the most outstanding students in the biochemistry program. He leads by example," said his nominator, Heather Jorgensen, administrative support supervisor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Michael stepped down from management at Walmart when he returned to college but has continued working there throughout his academic career. He drove to Rogers three times a week to continue working until he was able to transfer to Sam's Club in Fayetteville. Despite his own health issues, or perhaps because of them, Michael has succeeded not only as a student but as a volunteer. He spends time twice a week at the Willard Walker Hospice House through Washington Regional Medical Center.

"Volunteering at hospice has allowed me to experience a unique side of medicine that many people do not get to see, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of the patients' lives," he said. He is also the president of the Nontraditional Premed Student Organization and has even co-authored a chapter in a book with a university faculty member. Michael's hope for the future is, "to become a physician and serve others, to be the one who can empathize with a patient's situation, provide the best care possible, and promote a well-functioning team environment."

Nimmo is a senior studying sociology, with minors both in sustainability and gender studies. "She is a founder and leader of UA Students for Gender Equality, is active in the community working for gender equality, and is a community leader on environmental and sustainability issues," said her nominator, Steve Boss, professor in the Department of Geosciences.

A first-generation college student, Nimmo lacked the advantages of guidance, economic support, or a social network, which resulted in her quitting college the first time. After becoming a parent one year later, Jodi decided to return to college in order to improve her daughter's life and communicate the importance of education. Balancing studies with family has been challenging, but Jodi found success through the support of a good partner and mentors both in the social and academic community.

In addition to cultivating leadership for her student organization, Nimmo currently serves as a National Fellow with Young People for the American Way (YP4), a national non-profit that trains new leaders in social activism and civic engagement. She has worked part-time with the Illinois River Watershed Partnership and was also chosen as a fellow with the Sierra Club Global Population and Environment Program. Nimmo plans on attending the master's degree in the sociology graduate program at the University of Arkansas and pursuing a career working in the city of Fayetteville's Community Development Department. It is her hope to use her skills and knowledge to build a more effective, inclusive, and productive community in which to live.

Elkins and Nimmo will be recognized at the Student Involvement Banquet at 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 22, in the Verizon Ballroom in the Arkansas Union. The banquet is sponsored by the Office of Student Activities within the Division of Student Affairs.