With a strong foundation built on patience and community values, a student at the University of Virginia (UVA) is making strides in leadership and representation. Reflecting on his childhood, he recalled a moment of triumph and disappointment when he caught a fish but was persuaded by his parents to release it back into the water.
“I’m guessing I had a lot of patience to kind of sit there with the container under the water, but I remember I did catch a fish one time, and I really, really, really wanted to take the fish home,” Sleadd shared. Despite his enthusiasm, his parents advised him to set the fish free.
Raised under the guidance of his parents and grandparents, Sleadd learned the importance of service and community support. “I was raised by a lot of people,” he explained. “My parents, my grandparents – they instilled in me the values of helping other people and living a life of service.”
At UVA, Sleadd has distinguished himself as both a Jefferson Scholar and an Echols Scholar, pursuing academic interests in political and social thought as well as urban planning. His leadership skills have been evident since his first year, serving as class president and now stepping into a significant role on the university’s Board of Visitors.
Joining the Board
Now serving as the 45th student representative on the Board of Visitors, Sleadd aims to ensure that the student body maintains a strong voice in university governance. “I want to connect students with the board and connect the board with students,” he stated. “I want to make sure the full breadth of student voices are heard.”
His outreach extends beyond the main campus, prioritizing engagement with the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. “I’ve already done a lot of outreach to the student government president at Wise,” he noted. “He’s also from Kentucky, coincidentally. His name’s Connor Blevins.”
For Sleadd, the relationships he has formed at UVA are a source of inspiration. “My favorite part about UVA is the people I’ve met here,” he said. “I’ve met friends for life, role models and people who inspire me to do better every day.” As he steps into his new role, he is committed to fostering these connections for future generations.
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