{
    "title": "UCO Recognizes Outstanding Student Leaders at Annual Campus Leadership Awards",
    "modified_at": "2026-04-21 17:48:48",
    "published_at": "2026-04-21 17:48:00",
    "url": "https://news.uco.edu/uco-recognizes-outstanding-student-leaders-at-annual-campus-leadership-awards",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/TDCd",
    "culture": "en",
    "language": "EN",
    "subtitle": "April 21, 2026",
    "slug": "uco-recognizes-outstanding-student-leaders-at-annual-campus-leadership-awards",
    "body": "<p>The University of Central Oklahoma honored the talents and achievements of student leaders and student organizations during the annual Campus Leadership Awards ceremony.</p><p>&quot;The Campus Leadership Awards highlight students, organizations and advisors who lead with purpose and a genuine commitment to others,&rdquo; said Aubrey Frazier, director of Student Engagement at UCO. </p><p>&ldquo;Each honoree represents what is possible when leadership is rooted in integrity, engagement and growth, shaping the Broncho experience through collaboration, service and transformative involvement that creates a lasting impact on our campus.&rdquo; </p><p><strong>The student recipients for the 2025-26 Campus Leadership Awards are as follows:</strong></p><p><strong>Top Central Bronchos</strong> showcase the university&#039;s values and have made a positive impact through their involvement and leadership in student organizations or campus initiatives.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Chloe Falls, a graphic design major from Edmond, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Phoebe Hilliard, a strategic communications major from Greenville, North Carolina</span></li></ul><p><strong>Outstanding Senior Award</strong>, recognizing students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills throughout their college journey, leaving a lasting impact on their peers and the university as a whole.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Lane Willoughby, a finance major with a minor in financial planning from Ardmore, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Reda Eramouni, a finance major from Morocco</span></li><li><span>Emma Valgora, a musical theatre major with minors in theatre and political science from Ponca City, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Chase Sutton, an economics major with a mathematics minor from Vinita, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Niklas Nelson, a psychology major from Germany</span></li><li><span>Sam Gillis, a double major in economics and business analytics from Verdigris, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Ariel Luna, an organizational communications major with a minor in leadership and strategic communications from Wagoner, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Cooper Autry, a political science major with a minor in leadership from Choctaw, Oklahoma</span></li></ul><p><strong>Outstanding Junior Award</strong>, which recognizes students who have taken on significant leadership roles and responsibilities, making a positive impact through their ability to motivate and inspire others.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Saif Ahmed, a computer science major from Pakistan</span></li><li><span>Hawk Clemens, a professional media major from Enid, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Kalvin Guiterrez, a finance major from Edmond, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Ella Hodges, a nursing major from Moore, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Becca Lawson, a nursing major from Stillwater, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Jilyenne McIntosh, a psychology major from Eufaula, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Ngone Ndiaye, a data and computer science major from Senegal</span></li><li><span>Rasani Shahi, a nursing major from Nepal</span></li><li><span>Camryn Schroeder, a psychology major from Pocasset, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Cale Woolf, a molecular biology major with a minor in chemistry from Piedmont, Oklahoma</span></li></ul><p><strong>Outstanding Sophomore Award</strong>, recognizing students who have demonstrated growth and continued dedication to their leadership development while positively influencing their peers and contributing to the overall success of the university community.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Ryne Anders, a business finance major from Norman, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Bella Brown, a strategic communications major and public relations minor from Choctaw, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Mack Herbert, a strategic communications major with a minor in marketing from Edmond, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Chloe McFeeters, a kinesiology major with minors in leadership and psychology from Oklahoma City</span></li><li><span>Jaelynn Spencer-Rodriguez, a kinesiology major with a minor in psychology from Norman, Oklahoma</span></li></ul><p><strong>Outstanding Freshman Award</strong>, which celebrates freshmen who have made an impact within their first year as a motivator and role model for their classmates.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Tashfia Altaf, a biomedical science major from Edmond, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Bennett Wolff, a marketing and professional sales major from Bixby, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Kelsi McCarthey, a professional sales major from Tuttle, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Addyson Miller, a biomedical engineering major from Madill, Oklahoma</span></li><li><span>Hunter George, a marketing and professional sales major from Tuttle, Oklahoma</span></li></ul><p><strong>Commitment to Civic Engagement Award</strong>, recognizing a student who has exhibited remarkable dedication to civic involvement and making a positive impact in their community through civic advocacy.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Bengnique Miller, a senior forensic science major from Nassau, Bahamas</span></li></ul><p><strong>Commitment to Community Service Award</strong>, which recognizes a student who has demonstrated an exceptional dedication to community service and a strong commitment to making a positive impact on society through service to others.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Carlie Golden, a senior forensic science major from Calumet, Oklahoma</span></li></ul><p><strong>Commitment to Global and Cultural Competency Award</strong>, which recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of global perspectives and cultural awareness at UCO.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Mimi Hoang, a junior fashion marketing major from Oklahoma City</span></li></ul><p><strong>Broncho Spirit Award</strong>, which recognizes a student who consistently embodies the true essence and pride of being a UCO Broncho.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Kenshi Kaneshiro, a sophomore double major in biology and environmental chemistry from Las Vegas, Nevada</span></li></ul><p><strong>Spirit of Enrollment and Student Success Award</strong> recognizes an individual who has made an impact at UCO and embodies the values of our division and university.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Lela Campbell, a senior finance major from Abilene, Kansas</span></li></ul><p><strong>Advisor of the Year Award</strong> recognizes one outstanding faculty member and one outstanding staff member who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and support to students through their advisory role.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Brittnee Nessa, coordinator of student leadership training</span></li><li><span>LaDonna McCune, Ed.D., professor of sociology, gerontology and substance abuse studies</span></li></ul><p>The<strong> Organization of the Year Award</strong> recognizes student organizations that exemplify excellence in all aspects of their operations.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Cadet Leadership Council</span></li><li><span>Student Academy of Forensic Science</span></li></ul><p><strong>New Student Organization of the Year Award</strong> recognizes an organization that excels by making an effort to establish a presence on campus, sponsoring or supporting initiatives that align with its mission and more. </p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>National Alliance on Mental Illness</span></li></ul><p><strong>Commitment to Community Service and Philanthropy Award </strong>recognizes student organizations that have demonstrated an exceptional dedication to community service and a strong commitment to making a positive impact through service and philanthropy.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Alpha Gamma Delta</span></li><li><span>President&rsquo;s Leadership Council</span></li></ul><p><strong>Commitment to Global and Cultural Competency Award</strong> recognizes student organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of global perspectives and cultural awareness at UCO.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Tomorrow&rsquo;s Alcohol and Drug Counselors of America</span></li><li><span>Native American Student Association</span></li></ul><p><strong>Commitment to Health and Wellness Award</strong> recognizes student organizations that have shown exceptional dedication to promoting health and wellness at UCO.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Iota Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.</span></li><li><span>Student Programming Board</span></li></ul><p><strong>Commitment to Membership Engagement Award</strong> recognizes student organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to engaging and growing their membership.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Alpha Delta Pi</span></li><li><span>Asian American Student Association</span></li></ul><p><strong>The Commitment to Transformative Learning Award</strong> recognizes student organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to providing transformative educational opportunities and programming for their members.</p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>New Broncho Orientation</span></li><li><span>Cold Case Central</span></li></ul><p style=\"text-align: center\">(end)</p><div class=\"release-content-contact\" id=\"contact-02b8ecbe-69fd-47cd-877e-271d68e03005\">\n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__avatar\"><img src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/eee27d1a-e66c-4fc6-ba8f-5f011b0c5414/-/scale_crop/128x128/center/-/format/auto/\" alt=\"Devan Wielgos\" class=\"release-content-contact__avatar-image\" /></div>\n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__details\">\n        <strong class=\"release-content-contact__name\">Devan Wielgos</strong>\n        <em class=\"release-content-contact__description\">Communications and Marketing Coordinator, UCO University Communications</em>\n        <ul class=\"release-content-contact__details-list\"><li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"mailto:dwielgos@uco.edu\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"dwielgos@uco.edu\"><svg class=\"icon icon-paper-plane release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-paper-plane\"></use>\n            </svg>dwielgos@uco.edu</a></li>\n<li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"tel:405-974-2127\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"405-974-2127\"><svg class=\"icon icon-phone release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-phone\"></use>\n            </svg>405-974-2127</a></li>\n<li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"https://www.uco.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"uco.edu\"><svg class=\"icon icon-browser release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-browser\"></use>\n            </svg>uco.edu</a></li></ul>\n    </div>\n</div>",
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    "contacts": [
        {
            "name": "Devan Wielgos",
            "company": "UCO University Communications",
            "description": "Communications and Marketing Coordinator",
            "email": "dwielgos@uco.edu",
            "website": "https://www.uco.edu",
            "address": null,
            "telephone": "405-974-2127",
            "mobile": null,
            "twitter": null,
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        }
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Sarah",
        "last_name": "Ward"
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