Sophomore Aidan Ayers has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for May 2023. Originally from Bentonville, Ayers came to the U of A to study computer science, math and physics. Ayers is in the U of A Honors College. They are a member of Theta Tau, the professional engineering fraternity, and have served in various officer positions from spring 2022 through spring 2023. Ayers was also a player for the Men's Ultimate Club team and will be serving as the president for the 2023-24 academic year. 

Ayers got involved in these organizations because of their dad, who was a member of both organizations during his time at the university. Ayers began playing ultimate in local leagues and tournaments when they were 8.

Ayers believes that the most important qualities and characteristics of a leader involve empathy, humility and adaptability.

"Empathy allows a leader to listen to and truly understand those they are leading; humility allows a leader to recognize when they are wrong or when someone else has a better idea, and adaptability allows a leader to roll with the punches and make plans on the fly. While each of these qualities are beneficial on their own, possessing all three in tandem results in a person who can understand the desires of those they are leading, set aside their own thoughts and feelings for the benefit of others and find the best path forward despite the stresses and pressures of being a leader."

Ayers' advice to other student leaders is to not be afraid to take action.

"Too often I have seen people hesitant to take action because they do not have a relevant title," they said. "However, the first step to obtaining a position of leadership is to show not only that you are interested in leading, but that you are capable, and the best way to do so is to simply take action when you can. If you step out of the crowd and do something, no matter how inconsequential, people will notice and begin to follow you."

Ayers would like to thank their dad. 

"My whole life, my dad has definitely been my biggest mentor. In addition to having a huge impact on some of my interests (most notably ultimate), he has always fostered my innate curiosity and ambitions. From as young as I can remember, he has encouraged me to pursue what I want and strive to be the best that I can be. Now that I am in college, I am incredibly grateful for this encouragement, as it not only instilled in me an intrinsic drive to improve, but also helped me develop the skills and resources to set and achieve increasingly ambitious goals."

A leadership quote that Ayers 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.