Senior Lacie Duke has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for January 2023. Originally from Huntsville, Lacie came to the U of A to study English with a minor in social work. She currently serves as the special projects coordinator for the Arkansas Union. She is also involved in the Arkansas Union's F.U.N. Committee and the Arkansas Union's 50th Anniversary Planning Committee. 

Duke said she got involved in these organizations because she really loves working for the Arkansas Union. 

"The people here are great, and I love getting to be a part of that, which is why I so often join the committees that the Arkansas Union creates." 

Duke believes that the most important qualities and characteristics of a leader involve communication, self-awareness, gratitude and empathy.  

"A leader has to be someone who is able to communicate efficiently (the good and the bad), take responsibility for one's own actions, thank those that do the right thing and be understanding of others' situations when things happen. A good leader is also willing to step outside of one's comfort zone in order to grow." 

Her advice to other student leaders is to not be too hard on others in situations that don't go the way you want them to.

She would like to thank Jody Cochran, who is the Human Resource supervisor of the Arkansas Union.  

"Jody reflects all the qualities of a leader that I just described and holds me to a standard of work that helps me to reflect those qualities myself." 

A leadership quote that Duke wants to share is by Josh Axe: "You can only lead someone as far as you are willing to go yourself."  

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. Learn more about the award here.