Each year, the Division of Student Affairs awards two graduating seniors, one female and one male, the Henry Woods Student Leadership Award. Winners are students who have an outstanding record of leadership on campus. The most recent recipients of the award are Diane Charles and Jared Pinkerton.
Woods graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1973, and received both a B.A. and an M.A. in Political Science. He was editor of the Razorback yearbook, involved in student government, the Arkansas Union, and the Interfraternity Council. Following graduation, Woods worked in Washington D.C., on the staffs of several Arkansas congressman and senators. During his 25 years of civic service in the U.S. capitol, Woods worked hard as an advocate for Arkansas and helped improve the quality of life for its people.
Diane Charles and Jared Pinkerton both graduated from the U of A this past May and are currently pursuing Graduate degrees. Below they discuss the award and how the University has impacted their personal lives and helped them in their post-graduation pursuits.
Diane Charles is an international student from Dominica who earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the Sam M. Walton College of Business. She was active in many organizations including being a Student Ambassador for Walton College, Vice President of the Caribbean Students Association at the University of Arkansas, and a Lead Hogs member for University Housing. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Economic Analytics at the Graduate School of Business at the University of Arkansas.
What does being recognized with this Henry Woods Award mean to you?
My involvement on campus at the University of Arkansas stems from a background of someone who has always actively engaged themself in organizations, or opportunities for personal and professional development and lastly, one who just loves to serve and be of service. Taking on leadership roles was always expected of me by peers because of how actively and passionately I get involved. However, I see it as living out my value of having no one leave me without a smile. I always say that I get involved because I love interacting with others. Though I may be shy at first, I love to smile and make people smile, and this comes naturally to me. Being recognized with this honor of the Henry Woods award is a great deal to me. It is very affirming of what I have tried to live out and serves to make me want to do an even better job. I feel like there is so much more to do and learn, that this award will open a whole new world of opportunities for me. Particularly, as an international student, finding my place did not come easy. However, it was my involvement in organizations, volunteering and leadership roles that affirmed for me my presence is welcomed, and I do belong. Also, with the unusual circumstances which now dictates our world, being a part of a unique graduation class, and being recognized as only one of two students from this graduating class with such an honor is truly overwhelming. I am humbled and grateful. I feel so confident in my capabilities. Thank you for such an honor.
What are you doing now? How is that going?
Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Economic Analytics in the Graduate School of Business at the University of Arkansas. I am excited to be a part of such a rigorous program, the first of its kind at the U of A. Being a part of this program is an overwhelming experience, in that, I am excited for what is to come – the skills and knowledge that I will be equipped with. Also, I am super excited to be a part of a wonderful group of students with hard working and dedicated professors. The support and encouragement I have received this first week of school is comforting. This is important to me because while I do not have a lot of experience in many of the tools that are used in the program, I am confident that I will get a solid foundation and the support I need to excel.
How did the U of A prepare you for where you are now or where you are going?
When I first came to the United States and the University of Arkansas, it was a difficult experience navigating through campus, trying to find my place. However, I recall my first encounter with one of my professors who advised me to build a family. Recognizing that I am now over 2000 miles away from home, this is my new home, so I should try to find people who will help me and steer me in the right direction. And she was just that person for me, allowing me to meet new connections of faculty and staff on campus, get involved in my college and do new things. This was the first way I saw the U of A preparing me for the where I am today and where I want to be. Through the support of faculty who are there to support you and want to see you excel. In addition, being a part of this large campus community challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and go for the things I want. That meant, putting in my application even if I felt that I was not qualified, or certain about my chance. This meant public speaking and using my voice. This meant saying yes and learning after. This meant counting myself in, asking questions and seeking help. A personal goal from all of this was improving my self-confidence and belief. I attribute a lot of this to my involvement in Leadership Walton and the components needed to complete the program, which help foster accountability, leadership, professional development, public speaking and networking opportunities for me.
What advice would you give to an incoming student at the University of Arkansas?
Find someone to connect to, build your network and build a family”. This was the advice given to me by one of my one of my professors during my freshman year, and to be honest, I wish I had done more to fulfill it. There are many services and resources on campus to help students succeed and overcome much of the anxiety they place on themselves to do well. I think it starts with finding someone to talk to.
The transition from high school to college, or in my case, from one country to the another, can be an overwhelming experience. Maybe you have your ways in which you cope or mask your struggles. It is important to realize that you do not have to go through this journey alone. And while networking is promoted as the prime way to succeed and get through, some students are overwhelmed by the experience. It is okay to admit to such struggles and get help. Therefore, I would want prospective students to the University of Arkansas to know that the college experience does not have to be a lone survival experience. There are people who want to help because they genuinely care. I think once you take the step to say that, ‘I am not okay’, or ‘I am worried’, or ‘I am overwhelmed’, or simply ‘I don’t know where to begin’, the journey afterwards will surprise you.
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Jared Pinkerton is from Farmington, Arkansas and earned his bachelor’s degree in Management and Political Science. Jared was very active in Associated Student Government, serving as the 98th Student Body President in 2019-2020, as Director of Academic Affairs for the Executive Cabinet in 2018-2019, and as a Senator representing the Walton College of Business in 2017-2018. He is currently pursuing his master’s in Higher Education at the University of Kansas.
What does being recognized with this Henry Woods Award mean to you?
I have known about the Henry Woods Award since I got onto campus. I can remember hearing about it from a previous recipient. Henry Woods is a person who I have looked up to since first learning about him through a previous recipient of the award. Our love for the State of Arkansas and serving others is something that bonds us. He is someone that I have attempted to emulate while I was on campus and now in the professional field. So in short, this award means a big deal to me – it’s a great honor.
What are you doing now? How is that going?
Presently, I am working on a master’s in education at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. It is my goal to use education as a mechanism to enhance the lives of Arkansans across the state. My dream is to become the chancellor/president of a university within Arkansas. I will use that platform to fight for further access to ensure that one day every Arkansan can earn a postsecondary degree if they want it. Education is life-changing and has the potential to redefine the financial future of every Arkansan no matter their background – I hope to be a part of making that happen.
How did the U of A prepare you for where you are now or where you are going?
I graduated from the University of Arkansas in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. My experience at the University of Arkansas changed my life. It was the best four years of my life and is full of memories that I will always cherish. The University is just as exceptional as our state is and the relationships I formed while I was there will always be something I hold close to my heart. The university provided opportunity after opportunity for me. This university helped me fund my true passion in life and now I am on a path to the most fulfilling career I can imagine for myself.
Who is your leadership role model and why?
Without a doubt in my mind, I can say that my mother is my leadership role model. My mom is also from Hatfield and graduated with under 20 people. From modest beginnings, she has made her mark on the world and made a difference in the life of so many through a career in education. She started as a teacher, then Assistant Principal, Principal, and now Assistant Superintendent for the Farmington School District. I do not doubt that she will one day be the first woman superintendent in Farmington history. From a young age, she taught me the importance of hard work. Nothing is given and it must all be earned. If you want to achieve success, you have to put the work into making it happen. I was blessed with the privilege of watching her lead throughout all of these years. She is entirely selfless, putting everyone around her first before herself. My mom is frequently the first person there and the last person
to leave. As Principal, she was tasked with building a new school from the ground up. She hired, trained, and led the new facility to be a consistently award-winning school. Never once have I seen my mom take the credit, she always gives it to those around her. Without my mom, I would not be the person I am today and am so thankful to have someone so incredible to learn from.
What advice would you give to an incoming student at the University of Arkansas?
First, I would tell them about imposter syndrome which reflects the belief that you are inadequate or a failure despite tons of evidence that would say otherwise. This is something that plagues the student body and something that a lot of us feel. Everything you add to the situation is valuable. There is no one else out there who is more valuable than you are. College is a time where we all find our stride and you deserve all of the success and accomplishments that come your way. Secondly, success is different for every person and there is no one path to the success you are seeking. We are constantly comparing ourselves to the person next to us or the person who came before. It is okay if you do it your way and especially so when it is different from the person you are comparing yourself to. People find success all over the place from places like grades, titles, and even surrounding yourself with great friends. Meet
success by your definition and celebrate that accomplishment because it is valuable. Lastly, pragmatically speaking, I would tell them to go to class. There is a clear difference between the students who show up versus those who don’t. Going to class allows you to learn deeply, develop relationships with professors, and get better grades. The people who consistently go to class will always do better than the ones who don’t. Seriously, just show up and your life will be a lot easier.