Junior Regan Burgess has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for October. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Regan came to the University of Arkansas to major in biology with a pre-med emphasis. She currently serves as the director of recruitment on the Student Alumni Executive Board as well as the vice president of programming for the U of A's chapter of Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society. Regan has stated that one of the main reasons she became involved was to put her stamp on any type of project that she directly worked on and leave lasting impressions on fellow students.

When asked what she thought a leader's most important qualities were, Regan said, "One of the most dynamic characteristics of a leader is being able to work well with others. Not only does a leader need to understand the individuals they work with, they need to possess the characteristics in order for others to depend on them. Also, I believe being approachable adds to the degree of leadership one can possess because others will feel comfortable to share ideas and provide feedback on the work that is done in an organization."  Regan also identified Maggie Benton as a primary mentor saying that her positivity and willingness to listen to others ideas are key components to her success.

Regan's advice to other leaders is to be "fearless". She said, "As a leader, it is your job to not only represent your organization and the people you work alongside, but also to represent yourself as a person. Bringing fresh ideas and listening to others with creative approaches, can truly alter the result of your efforts in the end. It not only allows you as a leader to influence the outcome, but it makes everyone that surrounds you just as invested in the final success." Her favorite quote is from Lee Brown, "In every day, there are 1,440 minutes.That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact."

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 here.