Twenty-four Arkansas Tech University students attended a leadership conference organized by the ATU Student Government Association on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Dr. Dana Tribble, ATU assistant professor of student affairs administration, provided the conference keynote address. Her presentation was entitled “Lead Where You Are: Building Identity, Influence and Impact.”
Through her remarks, Tribble encouraged those in attendance to focus on leadership through the lenses of self-awareness, values, relationships and everyday choices in order to facilitate continuous growth and development.
“My hope was that students left understanding that influence happens in small, consistent moments and that their actions create a ripple effect across campus,” said Tribble. “Leadership is not something reserved for the future…it is something they are practicing right now in classrooms, organizations and conversations. It was also meaningful to connect this message to the work we do in Arkansas Tech University’s higher education and student affairs graduate program, where we prepare future educators and leaders to cultivate identity, integrity and positive impact within their communities.”
Carson Smith, an ATU senior from Russellville and president of ATU Student Government Association, said he hopes that the conference inspires ATU students to become active leaders within their registered student organizations.
“I think one of the biggest things I learned is that leadership is always a growing process,” said Smith. “You’re never set in stone in your leadership no matter what position you are in. No matter how much time and effort you’ve put into something, there’s always room for you to grow. That’s one thing I took away and will implement into my leadership…always looking to improve and bring up those around me.”
Timothy Hufford, ATU SGA secretary of student engagement, was among those who helped plan and implement the leadership conference.
“It is vital for younger students to take the initiative to become leaders on campus,” said Hufford, an ATU junior from Corning. “You only have four years here to make an impact on this campus, so establishing yourself as a leader early on is crucial. Before long, the current leaders on campus will graduate, and your clubs or organizations will be looking to you to step into those leadership roles.”
Learn more about ATU Student Government Association at www.atu.edu/sga.
