Senior Noelle Chesser has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for August 2021. Originally from Katy, Texas, she came to the U of A to study advertising and public relations with a minor in history. Chesser is currently works in the office of New Student & Family Programs as a clerical assistant, serves as an A-Week Leader, a Junior Leader for Sophomore Council and is part of the U of A Advertising Club. She also worked as a Summer 2021 Orientation Leader and is a member of the Student Ambassador Team.

Chesser said she got involved in these organizations because she wanted to feel more connected to the university and her peers. "I love being able to help serve the campus community by being a friendly face to new students and make a difference in others' lives," she said.

Chesser believes the most important quality and characteristic in a leader is being confident in yourself. Her advice for other students is that "by being confident, you're able to successfully lead those around you and help make situations the best that they can be." She encourages other students to learn time management skills to help them balance their life between their academics and their leadership positions.

Her favorite quote regarding leadership is by renowned Arkansas businessman Sam Walton: "Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish."

Chesser would like to thank her mentor, Rachel Kremer, for being a helpful resource and someone she relies on for advice. "[Rachel] embodies everything it means to be a leader and has helped me grow in my leadership skills," she said.

The Student Leader of the Month award, sponsored by New Student & Family Programs, recognizes U of A 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.