Meet the February 2018 Students of the Month
On-Campus Student: Raenee Patterson
From Norton, Kansas, Raenee Patterson is a sophomore at Fort Hays State University. She is exceptionally involved on campus being part of Delta Zeta, Panhellenic Council, FHSU Orientation and Transition Leader, VIP ambassador, FHSU Honors Society, and Live. Learn. Lead. Peer Academic Leader and Encounter. Raenee is currently working toward degrees in Organizational Leadership and Tourism Hospitality. Raenee enjoys watching Netflix, reading, traveling to see her family, baking, and running during her free time. Her passion for running has driven her to participate in a half marathon she is currently preparing for. When coming to college, Raenee was uncertain about her major and was encouraged to consider Leadership Programs by her aunt and one of her mentors. Raenee felt that Leadership Studies was a good fit and a great way to get a diverse degree that would allow her to be even more successful after college. Her favorite class that she has completed is LDRS 302, Introduction to Leadership Behaviors. She enjoyed the class structure and how it incorporated class discussions and activities. The class allowed her to apply elements of others people’s leadership styles to her own by listening to how they think. She also enjoyed taking the class with Dr. Arensdorf, Chair and Associate Professor of Leadership Studies, and her learning community, L3: Live Learn Lead.
Virtual Student: Jonathan Clayton
Virtual Student Jonathan Clayton is a second-semester graduate seeking a Master’s degree in Professional Studies with a Concentration in Political Management. He is taking LDRS 670, Leadership and Personal Development, as an elective for his Master’s program. Originally from Mullinville, Kansas, Jonathan is now living in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, he is working on a project to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Memorial Day as a federal holiday. He finds it a fantastic honor to be a part of something historic and celebratory of many who gave so much. In Jonathan’s limited free time, he enjoys listening to e-textbooks while commuting to Jim Thorpe, PA. Jonathan chose to get involved with Leadership Programs at Fort Hays State University because of the dedicated professors and the skills he would develop through the courses that would allow him to succeed in his career. His favorite class was LDRS 300, Introduction to Leadership, with Dr. Justin Greenleaf. Justin and Jonathan attended the same high school and have been excellent friends. Johnathan felt that Justin could teach him more about himself in an eight-week course than he knew in the previous eight years.
International Student: Li Jingru (Mara)
International student, Mara Li, is from Zhengzhou, Henan. She majors in finance and minors in global Leadership from Fort Hays State University. Mara is involved in her college’s English club and student union. Outside of her school schedule, she enjoys listening to music, playing badminton, cooking, and doing yoga. Leadership is critical to Mara. She believes that every position needs Leadership. Mara finds that Leadership is an area that improves her and how her skills influence people to lead others to do meaningful things. Her favorite class so far is Leadership, and Personal Development, taught by Dr. Brendon. Mara loves Dr. Brendon because he gives excellent feedback on her papers and makes her laugh during class. The exciting class teaches her a lot about Leadership while having fun.