Special to the Hendersonian
Morehead State University student Peyton McWilliams has been named Outstanding Student Leader of the Year at the Student Government Association’s Student Choice Awards, a recognition that highlights her leadership, service and campus involvement.
“Being recognized as the Outstanding Student Leader of the Year meant the world to me,” McWilliams said. “It was such an honor to be acknowledged by my peers, and it really fueled my passion for leadership and service. Knowing that my efforts made a difference inspired me to continue striving for positive change and to keep pushing myself to be the best leader I can be in the future.”
McWilliams has had a lasting impact on Morehead State’s campus through her leadership roles in various student organizations. As chair of both the Campus Involvement and Internal Affairs Committees within the Student Government Association, she advocated for student needs and worked to enhance campus life.
McWilliams was the founder and president of the Political Science Club, where she competed in Model EU and Model UN competitions on a regional level. At the Model UN conference, she won Most Innovative Problem Solver. At the Model EU conference, she won second place as a delegate and third place as a university team.
“Model events like UN and EU provide students in all majors in our department with active learning opportunities to engage with students from other universities to work towards the common interests found among the nations they represent,” said Dr. James Masterson, Chair of the Department of History, Philosophy, Politics, Global and Legal Studies. “After studying deeply about their assigned country, students are well equipped to work their negotiating tactics and diplomatic skills to draft resolutions that can be passed within the framework of the particular institution. All of the student delegates have found these activities enjoyable and worthy of their time.”
Beyond student government and political science, McWilliams held key positions within Kappa Delta sorority, including parliamentarian. She served as vice president of events and programming for MSU’s Panhellenic Council, where she played a crucial role in fostering community and organizing meaningful events for Greek life. Additionally, she worked as a resident advisor, supporting students and helping them navigate college life.
“My involvement in these various roles wasn’t just about holding titles; it was about creating meaningful change and fostering a sense of community,” McWilliams said. “Each of these experiences taught me valuable lessons about leadership, collaboration, and the importance of serving others, shaping me into the person I am today.”
Savannah Jackson is an MPA student and graduate assistant at MSU.
