Sophomore Savannah Baptiste has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for March 2023. Originally from Austin, Texas, Baptiste came to the U of A to study political science, criminology and sociology and is in the U of A Honors College. She is a member of the NAACP chapter on campus, the Black Student Association and a part of the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society.

Baptiste said she got involved in these organizations because of her academic success her freshman year. She joined the Black Student Association to meet more people on campus who share her heritage and history. She wanted to join the NAACP to be a part of a distinguished organization that has traditions and values that she shares.

Baptiste believes that the most important qualities and characteristics of a leader involve kindness, respect and vision.

"These are the most important qualities because a leader without vision is a population without a future. I believe respect for those you lead, as much as earning their respect, is integral to being successful. If people respect you, they will support you. I also believe that kindness should be the driving force behind everything a leader does."

Her advice to other student leaders is to tell other leaders that respect and trust is earned through actions.

"You must embody everything about your community with authenticity. A vision for the population you lead is integral."

She would like to thank professor Deborah Korth.

"I've admired and respected her from when she spoke at my freshmen orientation to when I took her University Perspectives course, to when I worked with her my sophomore year as a student success liaison," Baptiste said. "She pushes me to work and dream for more, and I appreciate all the opportunities that she has brought before me dearly."

A leadership quote that Baptiste wants to share is written by Lao Tzu: "A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."

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.