Student Leader of the Month

CHASE STEELE

Junior

Biology

Chase has recently recognized a gamp between incoming freshman and third/fourth year pre-med students, so he took it upon himself to create a mentorship program within American Medical Student Association (AMSA). In result, AMSA has seen a drastic increase in freshman participation and many members report that it is easier to get involved. In addition, Chase is accompanying the chapter president to a national medical conference in Grenada, West Indies, to learn about the differences and hardships of desolate, island medicine. Chase took the initiative to apply for Undergraduate Student Funding to make attending this conference a reality, and has plans to bring their gained knowledge back to Kent State students and community at large.  

MJ Eckhouse
Senior
Political Science

MJ serves as the editor of Fusion Magazine, one of the 10 media partners with Kent State Student Media. In his role as editor, he has increased the profile of this LGBTQ focused magazine in many ways. This fall they have doubled the size of the staff, raised more than $1800 through the Giving Tuesday fundraiser, and published 51 online articles with more than 10,000 unique page views. MJ spoke to the College Media Association (a national group of college journalists) at their annual convention in Dallas, Texas this past October about how to write and report about transgender people and the issues they face. Recently, MJ was named "Public Citizen of the Year" from the National Association of Social Works, NE Branch. Congratulations, MJ!

Delaney Cordova
Junior
Communication Studies

Delaney currently serves as President of the International Justice Mission Student Organization. In this role, she leads this dynamic group through the many activities and events in which and under her leadership, the organization has grown in number and in strength. The dedication, commitment and passion that Delaney has for this group is contagious and resonates with the members. In addition, Delaney’s commitment is far-reaching serving at the international, national and local levels. She has participated in an immersion to Nicaragua, a trip she organized to Washington, D.C., as well as the many local initiatives including the Red Sand Project, Service Saturdays at Rahab Ministries, No Slave November, the Rally for Freedom, and Operation Hope. Furthermore, Delaney is a committed Lifegroup leader for H2O Church on campus.

Megan O'Neill
Junior
Sociology

Megan currently serves as the President of United Christian Ministries (UCM), the ecumenical Christian and intentionally interfaith campus ministry at KSU. Her leadership and support were instrumental in special UCM LGBTQ+ programs including “My Spiritual Journey: A Trans Woman's Story," LGBTQ+ & the Bible," "LGBTQ+ Sensitivity and Awareness." Developing the UCM interfaith outreach, Megan was the key student leading the organization of the Annual Interfaith 9-11 Reflection and Remembrance Service which brought Jews, Christians, Muslims, PRIDE! Kent and seculars together on the K. In addition, Megan participated in the KSU Global Service Program in Nicaragua, Alternative Spring Break to Washington, D.C., and Alternative Spring Break to New Orleans. Furthermore, Megan helped to bring in 30 new members as Rush Chair of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and currently works in the KSU Development Office. Her nominator writes, “her quiet, kind, and welcoming leadership speaks volumes, gently drawing students to connect with her passion for service to others, both on campus and beyond.”

Desmond Crawford
Senior
Aeronautics

Desmond serves as the president of The Impact Movement and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In addition, Desmond is a member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, which aims to increase minority participation in aviation and aerospace through exposure and mentoring. Furthermore, his passion for Aviation has encouraged him to create a scholarship for underrepresented students in Aviation a reality. Previously, Desmond served as a Resident Assistant and a Peer Leader Trainer for Student Success Programs where he enjoyed helping students transition to college. Desmond volunteers his time with Inspiring Minds Youth, an organization to encourage high school students to finish school and dream big. Desmond hopes that by showing students the type impact they could have on someone’s life, he will inspire the next group of leaders to do the same for someone else.