Seven Arkansas Tech University students participated in the ATU Freshman Leadership Experience at the outset of the fall 2024 semester.
Erica Armstrong of Clarksville, Sarah Brotherton of Dardanelle, Rebecca Cogburn of Danville, Rodney Johnson of Little Rock, Rielly Lemmons of Russellville, Chaya Reed of Monticello and Paris Studdard of Sheridan learned from current student leaders, participated in team-building exercises and established involvement plans for the 2024-25 academic year as part of the program.
“My biggest takeaway would probably be to learn to listen to everyone, whether their voice is louder or softer,” said Reed.
Reed said she also learned to “include everyone, work together and be stronger with lots of encouragement.”
According to the ATU Department of Campus Life, learning outcomes for ATU Freshman Leadership Experience include:
- Students will be able to identify their personal strengths and how they function in a team;
- Students will learn about the different types of communication styles;
- Students will learn skills to engage in conflict effectively and work toward conflict resolution;
- Students will learn that leadership is more than holding a position;
- Students will practice team leadership through active group participation.
Studdard reflected that it is necessary to sacrifice “small things” in order to be a leader.
“I know so much more about my values and my limits, as well as myself in general,” said Armstrong. “I also learned how much I can accomplish when I set my mind to it and tell myself I can do it.”
ATU Freshman Leadership Experience is a program of the ATU Department of Campus Life.
Learn more at www.atu.edu/campuslife.
