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 following updates come from past recipients of the Henry Woods award.
Antonio Igbokidi:
What are you up to now, in regard to your career and education, since graduating from the University of Arkansas?
I am working as a Community Health Organizer at a local public health department in the Omaha, Nebraska Metro area aiding in the fight against COVID-19. Simultaneously I am finishing up my dual master’s program at Creighton University in Bioethics and Public Health which has instilled in skills to be a champion in communities regarding health policy and ethics. Next month, I will begin medical school at TCU & UNTHSC School of Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas It has been a dream of mine to become a physician that will give back to underserved communities such as the one I was raised in.
How has Henry Woods Jr.’s example inspired your career goals and aspirations?/ How has the Henry Wood Jr.’s example inspired your current commitment to leadership and public service?
Henry Woods Jr. instilled within me a subtle confidence that my goals and aspirations are tangible. His spirit has augmented my extreme passion to be a vessel for others to benefit from. In a way, his spirit motivated me to pair my medical education with a public health education to be a leader who not only heals and serves individuals, but communities as a whole. I hope to one day become the Surgeon General of the United States and utilize that leadership to protect, promote, and advance the health of our nation. Henry Woods Jr. is a model of excellence that reminds me day in and day out that the impossible is possible, to continue to strive for the most out of my life and others lives, to perfect my craft, and to not only “do well” in my endeavors, but to “do good” in society.
What inspired you to get involved in leadership and service projects at the University of Arkansas? What inspires you to get involved in those projects now?
During my time at the University of Arkansas, I had always been a person that valued experiences and getting the most out of an opportunity. Being in leadership positions always felt natural and never forced. My faculty, peers, and classmates would constantly motivate me to pursue leadership roles and things would just kind of happen. As for as service, that passion has always been intrinsic and innate. I believe that the disparity and hardship I grew up in laid a foundation for me to always serve and provide for others. Now, I am inspired to be involved in these projects now because I know I can do it and benefit the greater good.
How did your experience in leadership at the University of Arkansas affect your further academic or career goals and aspirations?
Every leadership position I had somehow played a role in my personal development as well as my academic journey. From being a Resident Assistant in Pomfret Hall to the president of NAACP, I acquired intangibles that served me well in my preparation for my education and the world beyond college.
What service or leadership projects are you involved in now?
I am a Community Health Organizer in the Omaha Metro area. My job entails finding strategic ways to meet people in the community where they are and be the bridge between them and their needs. From organizing Safe Routes to School efforts to get more kids safely to and from school within poverty‐stricken neighborhoods, cultivating relationships with residents to activate a slam poetry night for mental health anti stigma, creating Community Health Improvement Plans, or educating health sciences high school students on public health, my position exposes me to many diverse situations.
Additionally, I am a part of the Creighton Community Kitchen where we cook and package meals in the dining hall to deliver door-to-door to impoverished communities in the Omaha Metro area once a week. When I start medical school, I want to bring this program to my school in order to uplift my new community.
Victoria Maloch:
photo by David Fisher
What are you up to now, in regard to your career and education, since graduating from the University of Arkansas?
Since graduating from the University of Arkansas, I have spent time working in Washington, DC and have furthered my education in the United Kingdom. Immediately after graduation, I spent the summer participating in the Summer Institute program for Truman Scholars and worked in legislative and public affairs for USDA Rural Development. Afterward, I worked for one year as a Truman-Albright Fellow in the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy at HHS. During this fellowship, I was selected as a Marshall Scholar. This scholarship funds two years of graduate education in the United Kingdom. Through this scholarship, I received a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Public Policy from the University of Cambridge last year and I am currently studying for a Master of Science (MSc) in Comparative Social Policy at the University of Oxford.
How has Henry Woods Jr.’s example inspired your career goals and aspirations?/ How has the Henry Wood Jr.’s example inspired your current commitment to leadership and public service?
Looking at Henry Woods’ life, it’s easy to see his dedication to public service and his love for Arkansas. I hope that one day my career and public service involvement will reflect those qualities as strongly as his legacy does. Henry Woods’ example of life-long dedication to helping others by using his talents and abilities in the policy sphere inspires my career goals and affirms my aspirations to work in government as a champion for people in rural America.
What inspired you to get involved in leadership and service projects at the University of Arkansas? What inspires you to get involved in those projects now?
When I came to the University of Arkansas, I didn’t know many people since I was the only person from my small, rural high school in Southwest Arkansas to come to Fayetteville. Getting involved in leadership and service projects allowed me not only to become involved in the campus community, but also become plugged into the Northwest Arkansas community. Something I learned through my time at the University of Arkansas was that the person I am today is a byproduct of the investments others have made in me. I am inspired to be involved in leadership and service projects today not only as a way to leave every space I enter better than when I found it, but also as a way to make investments in others like those made in me.
How did your experience in leadership at the University of Arkansas affect your further academic or career goals and aspirations?
Had it not been for the University of Arkansas and the amazing faculty and staff that pushed me to pursue opportunities such as the Truman and Marshall scholarships, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The leadership opportunities available at the University of Arkansas and the way the campus culture really allows you to dive into these opportunities, allowed me to stand out when applying for nationally competitive awards. As someone who wants to pursue a career in rural policy, my experiences with leadership complemented my academic experiences as an agricultural business student. They allowed me to further develop my leadership abilities and discover the most effective ways to communicate and influence others. Overall, my experiences in leadership at the University of Arkansas solidified my passion for public service.
What service or leadership projects are you involved in now?
As previously mentioned, I am currently studying in the UK as a Marshall Scholar. The Marshall Scholarship is funded by the UK government and designed to strengthen the special relationship between the US and UK by funding young Americans, whom they deem to be future leaders, to study at universities in the UK. Although my schoolwork does keep me busy, I am able to participate in leadership programming associated with the scholarship’s Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission. Additionally, as a part of my academic work, I have been able to work in London with the Centre for Social Impact Bonds at the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to provide an assessment of the social impact bond provider market in the UK.
April Jules:
What are you up to now, in regard to your career and education, since graduating from the University of Arkansas?
I started graduate school at the University of Arkansas in Fall 2018 and I am working towards a PhD in Engineering with emphasis in Biomedical Engineering.
How has Henry Woods Jr.’s example inspired your career goals and aspirations?/ How has the Henry Wood Jr.’s example inspired your current commitment to leadership and public service?
I decided to pursue studies in biomedical engineering because of my desire to contribute towards the enhancement of the quality of healthcare in developed and underdeveloped countries. This field allows me to apply engineering techniques and principles to solve medical problems. By obtaining advanced learning and skills in this field, I intend to work with other professionals in science and healthcare, and, as a leader, to create and contribute to life-changing technologies in order to improve the lives of many.
What inspired you to get involved in leadership and service projects at the University of Arkansas? What inspires you to get involved in those projects now?
As students, many opportunities are provided for us, not only academically, but also through registered student organizations (RSOs) and student activities. I wanted to explore and take part in activities that I found interesting, while rendering voluntary service. I also saw leadership as a necessity, and getting involved in leadership and service projects helped to groom me for future leadership opportunities. In the process, I met many wonderful people and shared in experiences that enhanced my college life.
How did your experience in leadership at the University of Arkansas affect your further academic or career goals and aspirations?
My leadership experiences served as a stepping stone for my current role as a graduate research assistant, where I have to actively take responsibility for my work. Engaging in a variety of activities while at the University of Arkansas allowed me to meet many people and participate in experiences that I would not have been involved in otherwise, and this further pushed my passion for helping others. It showed me that I made the right decision in the choice of school and academic program, and cemented my decision to pursue an even higher university degree in my field that would allow me to help others using my skills in the healthcare industry.
What service or leadership projects are you involved in now?
I volunteered at the FIRST Lego League Arkansas Championship at the University of Arkansas this year, and I am actively involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on campus, where I assist in leading bible study group sessions.
JP Gairhan:
What are you up to now, in regard to your career and education, since graduating from the University of Arkansas?
After graduating from the university, I was an intern in Washington, D.C. with the Office of Congressman John Lewis. After the internship I joined the U.S. Peace Corps and moved to Nepal to being training as an Education Volunteer. Unfortunately were were evacuated from Nepal seven weeks into our service due to the global response with COVID-19. Now I am preparing towards accepting a position with the Sunflower County Freedom Project in Sunflower, Mississippi.
How has Henry Woods Jr.’s example inspired your career goals and aspirations?/ How has the Henry Wood Jr.’s example inspired your current commitment to leadership and public service?
The legacy of Mr. Woods is evident on campus in so many ways. I aspire to his level of service and dedication to others. The ability to put others before yourself is something that I admire greatly, and I hope to replicate Henry Woods Jr.’s example throughout my life.
What inspired you to get involved in leadership and service projects at the University of Arkansas? What inspires you to get involved in those projects now?
I was inspired by older students who were engaged in and around the campus community. My family and upbringing instilled within me a desire to be of service to others. I knew that I wanted to continue that mentality in college. Those values are still with me, and they continue to guide me today.
How did your experience in leadership at the University of Arkansas affect your further academic or career goals and aspirations?
My experience in leadership at the University of Arkansas helped me understand what is necessary to drive positive and sustainable change. I would like to stay engaged and present in whichever community I call home going forward. My experience in campus leadership has had an insurmountable impact on who I am today and hopefully who I will be in the future.
What service or leadership projects are you involved in now?
I am preparing to join the Sunflower County Freedom Project as a staff member. The Sunflower County Freedom Project is a non-profit based out of Sunflower, Mississippi that provides supplemental resource education services to public school participants in Sunflower County, Mississippi.
Manasa Veluvolu:
What are you up to now, in regard to your career and education, since graduating from the University of Arkansas?
I started medical school after graduating, and just finished my M1 year. I also just started my MPH classes this past week. UAMS offers a dual degree program where you can take classes to graduate with both a MD and MPH degree by the end of 4 years. I am hoping the knowledge I will gain through it will help with better understanding of community health and policy work. I still have a few more years before I have to decide on a specialty and many more years of training before I become a full-fledged doctor.
How has Henry Woods Jr.’s example inspired your career goals and aspirations?/ How has the Henry Wood Jr.’s example inspired your current commitment to leadership and public service?
Quite frankly, when I first applied for this award my senior year, I knew little about Henry Woods Jr. I looked up his name, and a page popped up with a little history about him, as well as a webpage about past recipients. I applied because I figured why not? When I was notified that I had won one of the awards for my year, I was proud. I looked up the website I saw when applying again. I was surprised because I felt I didn’t deserve this award. I knew there were people that were graduating alongside me that honestly were better and more knowledgeable students. These were some of the people that helped to broaden my view of the world and figure out what I wanted to stand for as a person. What the award did was signify to me that receiving it meant something. I was chosen for whatever reason, but now that I have that title, I have a responsibility to stand up for what it means. That means that I have to continue to serve others and stand up for what is right. This award helps to remind me to stay on this path.
What inspired you to get involved in leadership and service projects at the University of Arkansas? What inspires you to get involved in those projects now?
I became involved in leadership and service projects at the U of A because I wanted to improve myself and learn the skills needed to be a leader and work in a team. I also like that special feeling we all get when we are altruistic. And it was a bonus that being involved kept me busy and socially active. I continue to stay involved though because I have learned over the past few years, especially also based on current events, the need for serving the people around you and advocating for them to create change needed in the community. Most of the things I do now are geared toward using the opportunities around me to become educated and give back. I hope that in the future when I have greater ability to advocate, I can use all that I will have learned through these opportunities to make a greater impact for change.
How did your experience in leadership at the University of Arkansas affect your further academic or career goals and aspirations?
My experiences have definitely helped me see the good and bad sides to being a leader, and what qualities I need to work on within myself to become a better one. I learned from the mistakes I made, and they make me think through all the commitments and responsibilities I am saying I will fulfill whenever I sign-up for something. One of the biggest things I learned is the power of education and reaching people in ways that don’t alienate them yet still help to expand their views on topics. In my future, I hope that I can be an example for the people around me, and work with them to make the community better. I know I am going into healthcare, but healthcare is not just taking care of patients but also looking at and improving all the factors that contribute to and affect it. I don’t know my exact career path yet, but I have a general idea of the principles I want to uphold in that process, in part thanks to the experiences I have had at the U of A.
What service or leadership projects are you involved in now?
Before the pandemic, I was active in volunteering at two health clinics in Little Rock. I recently also became a member of the student board for one of these clinics for the upcoming year. I try to stay active on campus by being involved in student organizations, and I try to serve the community outside of the medical realm by volunteering for nonprofits whenever possible.
Sam Harris:
What are you up to now, in regard to your career and education, since graduating from the University of Arkansas?
Since graduating from the U of A, I moved to England to pursue my masters degree in International Development at the University of Cambridge. After graduating in July of 2019, I moved back to the US where I immediately went to work for Senator Amy Klobuchar’s 2020 presidential campaign. While working for Amy, I was an organizer in Northern New Hampshire throughout the First In the National Presidential Primary. After the NH Primary, I moved back to Arkansas as a Regional Organizing Director for Amy for America until our campaign ended on March 2nd.
How has Henry Woods Jr.’s example inspired your career goals and aspirations?/ How has the Henry Wood Jr.’s example inspired your current commitment to leadership and public service?
Henry Woods was a public servant that committed his life to working in the political sphere to enact lasting change. For me, Henry Woods Jr.’s legacy of starting his career in public service was cemented during his time at the University of Arkansas. Watching an influential figure, like Henry, go from a campus leader to a public servant in Washington, DC inspired me to create my own path to public service. While at the U of A, I cherished my time serving as a leader of various Registered Student Organizations, and I trust that those experiences will be carried with me as I continue my career in Washington, whether it be in electoral politics or in public service at the national, state, or local level.
What inspired you to get involved in leadership and service projects at the University of Arkansas? What inspires you to get involved in those projects now?
As a Freshman at the U of A, I was inspired by the student leaders ahead of me that modeled expectations of true servant leadership and compassion. After getting involved with the Boss Hog Outfitters project as a member of the Freshman Leadership Forum, I realized I had the choice to continue my impact on campus by committing myself to student-led organizations that I felt promoted true social progress. Additionally, I always relied on my personal experience in allowing RSOs to be a place to belong and grow– personally and professionally. I was inspired to continue this legacy for my peers and those students who would and will follow.
How did your experience in leadership at the University of Arkansas affect your further academic or career goals and aspirations?
Being a student leader on campus assured me that I was committed to public service and that I had true potential to create a lasting impact wherever I ended up after the U of A. However– I wanted to help people, I valued public education and higher education, and I needed to use my privilege to create opportunities for others.
What service or leadership projects are you involved in now?
Currently, I remain involved with Democratic politics and community organizing. I am passionate about registering voters and educating them on voting priorities and candidates. Aside from my interest in food security, domestically and abroad, I remain committed to serving others by ensuring fair elections continue to take place and politicians are working in the best interest of Arkansans, and all Americans.