You'll Have Opportunities to Lead Our Campus
At McKendree University, you'll have the opportunity to earn more than a degree. From band to residence life, McKendree students display leadership skills all over campus.
Rhoda Warner
Student Leadership Role
President of Student Government Association
Hometown
Springfield, Illinois
Major
Religious Studies
Activities
Student Government Association, Resident Assistant, Center for Faith & Spirituality, Center for Community Service, ALPHA
Why did you choose McKendree?
I didn’t choose McK because of its small intimate class sizes, or its amazing faculty. I didn’t choose McK because of its family like support system, or the high quality education it offered. I chose McK because from the moment I stepped foot on campus for my first tour it just felt right, and everything else made me stay.
What advice would you give to someone seeking a leadership role?
Believe in your own ability! There may be times that others will look to you for the proper guidance, and you may feel inadequate to make such important decisions. But as a leader, you already have countless people believing in you so why not trust yourself.
Camden Cripe
Student Leadership Role
Director of Student Ambassadors
Hometown
Oreana, Illinois
Major
Athletic Training
Activities
Student Ambassadors, Iota Tau Alpha Athletic Training Honor Society
What’s your favorite experience at McKendree?
My favorite experience(s) are spending my days at practice with the athletes (as an athletic trainer). I've always loved the competitive nature and camaraderie of sports so I decided to center my career around it. Now I enjoy going to class and practices everyday to keep the athletes healthy in their favorite role.
What advice would you give to someone seeking a leadership role?
If you want to lead, identify what it is you want to lead, and push for it. I've always told myself that I'd rather say I tried than never tried at all, leading is the best way. Your peers will help and motivate you to be your best. You'll find your niche of how to lead and use that as your driving force everyday.
Jeron Lamczyk
Student Leadership Role
Drum Major
Hometown
Sesser, Illinois
Major
Elementary Education
Activities
Kappa Kappa Psi (Honorary Band Fraternity), SIEA, Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble
What is your favorite experience at McKendree?
My favorite experience at McKendree is every time the Band takes the field for the pre-game show. It's a rush when the band starts run-on. It's even more amazing when you're on the podium in front of the band.
What advice would you give to someone seeking a leadership role?
Be as organized as possible. Also, it's important to remember that just because you may be in charge does not mean you have to do all the ‘heavy lifting’ by yourself. It's ok to ask for help!
Lauren Reeves
Student Leadership Role
Editor-in-Chief of McKendree Review
Hometown
O’Fallon, Illinois
Major
Speech Communication
Activities
McKendree Review, NSO, UNI 101, Phi Eta Sigma Honorary Society, Student Ambassadors, Center for Faith & Spirituality, Spectrum Alliance, Black Student Organization, McKendree Radio, FYI, Social Justice Change Ambassador, ALPHA, Homecoming Court Royalty
How has your McKendree experience helped you develop your leadership skills?
McKendree has offered a lot of leadership training to aid me with all my endeavors. McKendree continues to offer me opportunities to strive in all things I choose to do. Each experience aids me in my journey to become an effective and positive role model in my community.
What are your aspirations?
I want to be a TV/ Radio personality for the youth. To bring change, I want to be a model for other youth like me.
Vincent Spradling
Student Leadership Role
President of the Green Team
Hometown
Columbia, Illinois
Major
Environmental Studies & Global Studies
Activities
Green Team, Resident Life, Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Committee, Band
What impact do you want your leadership to have on your organization?
I want to show that if you work your hardest on achieving something, that is an accomplishment in itself.
What are your future goals?
I want to conduct field research in ecology or work on restoring Illinois' land and water.
Dakota Reed
Student Leadership Role
Resident Assistant
Hometown
West Frankfurt, Illinois
Major
Psychology & Theatre
Activities
Center for Faith & Spirituality, Spectrum Alliance, Alpha Psi Omega, Honors Program
Why did you choose McKendree?
I chose McKendree because it had the family atmosphere that I knew I could thrive in. McKendree was close enough to home that I felt safe, but far enough away that I felt independent. The faculty and staff were incredibly fantastic during my visits.
But in all honesty, I like to talk about why I stayed at McKendree. In addition to the phenomenal faculty and staff, McKendree’s student body is a family that supports each other. Other students, professors, and mentors help make your dreams happen.
Make It McKendree
