Senior Callie Zane has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for December 2020. Originally from Flower Mound, Texas, Callie came to the University of Arkansas to study criminology, psychology and sociology. She is currently the president of the Women's Ultimate Frisbee Club and is also the chair of the advisory council for club sports.

Callie said she got involved in the Ultimate Frisbee team because she wanted to continue her passion for the sport from high school into college. She says, "For the advisory board, I felt that I could be a voice for the students on the board and make a positive difference."

Callie believes empathy is one of the most important qualities of being a leader because "everyone is going through something different." That's not all, she says "I also think that listening to the people you are leading is important. No one is going to follow someone they don't believe is doing the right thing."

Her advice to other leaders is to listen to the people you are trying to lead as well as your gut. "If you don't take feedback from your team, they won't inform you when something is wrong or strive to make it better."

One of Callie's favorite leadership quotes is from Madeleine Albright: "It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent."

Callie would like to thank her family for all being mentors in her life. Their empathy, charisma, and strong willingness has allowed her to be the leader that they all were to her.

The Student Leader of the Month award, sponsored by the New Student & Family Programs office, 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 Student Leader of the Month Award.