Leadership Beyond Titles: A Student Trustee's Year in Review

I never imagined I would be nominated to serve as Widener University’s student trustee, a role that carries the responsibility of representing students across all three Widener campuses. So when Dean Todd Clark nominated me—citing my academic strength, campus involvement and commitment to service—I saw an opportunity to represent students across the university.

I was honestly just very grateful for the opportunity. To be trusted to represent students at that level meant a lot to me.

My path to law school began long before arriving at Delaware Law. Growing up with a mother who worked as a lawyer, I was exposed to the legal profession early on. Combined with my naturally assertive personality and love of debate, the law felt like a natural fit.

I’ve always loved expressing my opinions and debating ideas—whether it was arguing with friends about why the Dallas Cowboys are the best team in the NFL or discussing exam hypotheticals in class. As I got older, I realized those same skills aligned with advocacy and the legal profession.

Delaware Law stood out to me because of its proximity to the corporate world and Delaware’s national reputation as a hub for corporate law.

As student trustee, I attend board of trustees meetings each semester, along with university dinners and student events. More importantly, I serve as a voice for the student body during major university discussions and decisions.

The board already does a great job approaching conversations from a student first perspective. But it’s meaningful to be in the room and contribute directly to that culture by sharing student concerns and experiences.

Through my trustee role, I’ve learned how deeply engaged and accomplished the members of the board are. The experience has been both inspiring and surreal.

All of the members of the board are incredibly successful and accomplished in their fields, so being able to sit beside them this early in my career has been an amazing learning experience. It also showed me how much the Widener community truly supports its students and values student perspectives.

One moment that stands out was my first board meeting in October 2025, where I delivered the student testimonial that traditionally opens each meeting. Another particularly impactful moment came during discussions surrounding the Delaware Law campus move.

I was initially nervous to speak, but I ultimately raised concerns I had heard from fellow law students regarding parking availability and campus security—issues I felt were important to clarify on behalf of my peers. The board responded with detailed explanations of the planning process, and I left the discussion feeling that student input had been meaningfully considered.

It may seem small, but that was the first time I realized the importance of really using my voice in the role. The board responded thoughtfully and thoroughly, and I felt like I was genuinely helping represent student concerns in a meaningful way.

As I enter the second year of my term, I hope future student leaders recognize that leadership is not dependent on titles.

You do not need a position to make a difference. Anyone can create change if they care enough to take initiative. But if you are fortunate enough to hold a leadership role, remember it’s bigger than yourself. Show up, stay engaged and make the most of the opportunity to serve others.