Seven Panther student-athletes recognized during 2024 UNI Student Leadership Awards

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- In recognition of their leadership, hard work and service to the University of Northern Iowa, seven UNI student-athletes were honored during Tuesday night's Student Leadership Awards ceremony.

Each spring, the university recognizes student leadership through a series of awards presented to student and student organizations across campus.

"As an athletic department, we are thrilled to see our student-athletes so engaged with the UNI campus," said Stacia Eggers, UNI's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Service and Senior Women's Administrator. "Their skills as leaders not just within their respective teams, but in their academic fields and among their peers will help strengthen their hand as they become the leaders of tomorrow."

Taylor Short (swimming & diving), Griffin Parker (men's golf), Jaylie Hicklin (soccer) and Samantha Heyer (softball) were honored with the Outstanding Student Leader Award, designed to recognize students who have demonstrated dedication and leadership through their involvement in one or more campus activities.

Tinashe Chigudu (2024 Student Leadership Awards) — Tinashe Chigudu (Emerging Philanthropist Award winner)

The Servant Leadership Award, which recognizes those who have worked for the common good while putting the needs of others first, was presented to senior tennis player Issa Sullivan and freshman thrower Alison Flanscha.

Junior track sprinter Tinashe Chigudu (right) was also honored with the Emerging Philanthropist Award, given to a student who is dedicated to giving their time, talent and treasurer to the university, their community or cause(s) of their choice and shows promise as a philanthropic leader.

Additionally, Parker and Heyer were also recognized as UNI's 2024 nominees for the Dr. Charlotte West Awards. Established in 2000 by the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), the award is among the most prestigious honors in the MVC with each league institution nominating one male and one female student-athlete. These nominees are extraordinary student-athletes excelling academically and athletically and are leaders on campus and within their communities. Additionally, the female recipient of this award becomes the conference's nominee for the NCAA's Woman of the Year. The winners will be voted on by the MVC's Faculty Athletics Representatives Committee and announced this summer.

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