Office of Student Activities Recognizes Graduating Seniors

Compiled by Emily Becker

Top from left: Josie Zakrzewski, Olivia Ervin, Olivia Weir, Sydney Kincaid and Sophie McAdara; Bottom: Jessica Walden, Emma Mitchell, Jonathan Stubblefield and Jessica Seymore.

The Office of Student Activities recognizes 20 undergraduate students graduating this May who have been active student leaders on campus through the student-fee funded programs advised within the Office of Student Activities.

Olivia Ervin, an anthropology major from Bentonville, served as University Programs president and comedy chair. She was also director of sustainability for Associated Student Government and a Writing Studio consultant at the Student Success Center. Ervin noted the impact of her leadership and involvement in helping her to learn the soft and hard skills needed for success. She highlighted the influence of Trisha Blau, University Programs adviser and OSA associate director: "She is our fearless leader over in University Programs, and she never gives up on us."

Sydney Kincaid, a political science major from Fayetteville, served as Distinguished Lectures Committee Social Media chair and co-chair. She also has been involved with Associated Student Government, the Volunteer Action Center, Panhellenic Council, the Model United Nations team, Honors College Ambassadors and the Razorback Foundation Collegiate Board. Kincaid recognized DLC adviser and OSA Director Dr. Mary Skinner for her impact. "Dr. Skinner has been a steadfast mentor, encourager and leader for me over the last three years. She has been a positive voice and pushes all of her students to grow as individuals. Dr. Skinner prioritizes a student-focused approach in all of her work and is willing to go the extra mile for her students. So many organizations on campus would not be the same without her. Thank you, Dr. Skinner!" Kincaid highlighted the growth she experienced through being a student leader. "The leadership opportunities that have been provided to me through OSA have led to immense professional and personal growth. Through DLC I have had the opportunity to moderate multiple lectures with individuals such as Dr. Bernice King, Gloria Steinem and Tan France. The skills I have learned will be invaluable as I begin law school in the fall. I am truly so grateful for OSA and the opportunities it has offered me and so many others. I have found many friendships through OSA, and I will miss being part of such a wonderful organization."

Sophie McAdara, a political science major from Branson, Missouri, served as University Programs president and vice president. She was also involved with Associated Student Government and founded a campus chapter of Partners for Better Housing. McAdara found valuable lessons during her time as a student leader. "My involvement in OSA has taught me how to cultivate great professional and personal relationships, work through tough situations and organize people, events and programs," she says. I will always carry with me in my career the valuable lessons I learned in OSA." McAdara also gives a special shout-out to Trisha Blau. "Trisha was my University Programs adviser, biggest supporter and friend. She impacted my leadership style, encouraged me to go after internships and awards, was always there through academic, personal or professional crises. I don't know what I would have done without her!"

Emma Mitchell, a psychology and agricultural business pre-law major from Calico Rock, has been Distinguished Lectures Committee Social Media co-chair and hospitality chair. She also has served with the Razorback Foundation Collegiate Board, Delta Delta Delta, Order of Omega, Associated Student Government, Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society and the Family and Community Interventions Laboratory. "Serving as a leader on campus has shown me the importance of inclusion and advocacy for those who may feel as though they do not have a voice," she says. After graduation, Mitchell plans to attend law school and become a criminal defense attorney. She recognizes Dr. Mary Skinner for her special role in her leadership development. "Mary Skinner has served as my adviser for DLC for the past three years. Throughout the time that I have known her, she has been a constant source of encouragement to me. Dr. Skinner pushes me to excel not only in DLC but in every area of campus involvement."

Jessica Seymore, a public health and biology major from El Dorado, has served as SOOIE president, director of involvement and director of administration. She also served as an officer of Arkansas Dance Marathon. She plans to attend medical school at UAMS after graduation. Seymore said, "I believe that my leadership and involvement have made me a more well-rounded individual and will better equip me for my future career."

Jonathan Stubblefield, a biology major from Little Rock, has worked as a student support specialist in the Office of Student Activities for three years and also served as Distinguished Lectures Committee vice chair and promotions chair. He also was involved with Associated Student Government, Lead Hogs, Residence Interhall Congress and the All-University Conduct Board. Stubblefield plans to pursue a Master of Education in Higher Education and highlights his former supervisor, OSA Office Manager Rosa Floyd, for her role in his growth. "Someone in the OSA that has impacted me is Rosa Floyd," he said. "Ever since I got involved with OSA, before any cocurricular involvement or leadership position, she was always one of my biggest cheerleaders! I admire her drive and how she loves to see students succeed!" Stubblefield sees his experiences laying the foundation for his future success. "I cannot wait to see the skills I've learned these past few years aid me in my further pursuits! Thank you to all the friends and relationships I have made along the way. These connections have left an indelible mark on my life, and I do not take it for granted!"

Jessica Walden, a public health major from Mansfield, Texas, has served as SOOIE involvement ambassador, director of development and director of administration. She has also been involved with the Native American Student Association, American Indian Sciences and Engineering Society, Phi Mu Fraternity, Volunteer Action Center, Women in Medicine, Sexual Violence Prevention Association, Pre-Health Professions Association, Arkansas Dance Marathon, Neuroscience Organization, Psychology Club and Order of Omega. Walden highlighted the entire Office of Student Activities as impactful for her, especially her advisers. "The entire OSA office has helped me become a stronger leader, meet new people, and helped me gain opportunities I never thought I could," she says. "A thank you to my advisers Camille Jordan and Devin Dougherty for helping me and the entire SOOIE team with our goals and events. The SOOIE exec team, thank you for keeping my years fun, and I couldn't imagine my late Wednesday nights without you all. I believe my years have helped me gain communication skills (sometimes a little too much communication, sorry to the office staff that knows I never stop talking). I cannot wait to take the skills and lessons I have learned with me outside of college to only grow to become a better leader. SOOIE and OSA, I love you and cannot wait to see student involvement only grow from here! See ya on the Senior Walk!"

Olivia Wier, an honors biology and psychology major from Monroe, Louisiana, served as SOOIE involvement ambassador and director of leadership. She also was president of three registered student organizations: Arkansas Dance Marathon, Medical Ethics Discussion Society and Hogs End Alz.

Josie Zakrzewski, an international studies, Spanish and history major from North Little Rock, served with Distinguished Lectures Committee chair, vice chair and promotions chair. She also served with Associated Student Government as chief of staff and was president of Students with Refugees. Zakrzewski acknowledged the impact of Dr. Mary Skinner on her experience: "Mary Skinner has impacted me by always being there to support all of my work and always being such a positive presence in the office!"

Additional graduates include Tanner Brady, Ashley Chapman, Steele Engelmann, Rebecca Gill, Emma Hawkins, Cherish Iroabuchi, Starling Ledbetter, Vita Long, Ellie Rhoades, Reagan Stanley and William Watson.

The Office of Student Activities provides an environment for involvement, empowerment and collaboration through student organizations, programmatic experiences and shared governance. OSA maximizes the U of A experience by advocating for all students, promoting intercultural understanding and developing citizens who are prepared to positively impact their communities.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.