Annual Award Winners
Our Annual Outstanding Student Leader Awards honor those who have exhibited commitment to their communities, strong leadership skills, and the ability to make lasting impact at UTA. The award winners for each year beginning in 2025 are recognized below. Each of these students were nominated by a faculty member, staff member, or peer and completed a rigorous application. Students eligible for the Wayne Duke and Jeff Sorenson awards completed an interview to obtain those awards and scholarships. Please visit our Instagram to learn more about our Wayne Duke Leadership Award and Jeff Sorensen Leadership Award winners.
2025 Award Winners
Wayne Duke Leadership Scholarship and Award
Winner: Katherine Atkins
Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Science
Nominator Quote: "This student holds an excellent balance of introspection and collaboration. She often reflects and contemplates the decisions she makes and how they impact others. Additionally, she uses this to fuel the conversations she has with her teammates."
Wayne Duke Leadership Scholarship and Award 2
Winner: Emilio Infante Hernandez
Year: Senior
Major: Art Education
Nominator Quote: "They’ve shown their ability to engage and inspire the broader UTA community. Their contributions to Greek life, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and student involvement have left a lasting legacy of inclusivity, community building, and leadership."
Gaitan-Peet Leadership Award
Winner: Florencio Gobellan Rodriguez
Year: Junior
Major: Social Work
Nominator Quote: "He demonstrates leadership through his actions, particularly his ability to actively listen to the feedback of peers, faculty, and staff. His commitment to improving the organization is unwavering, even when the changes may not directly benefit him. This selfless dedication to the greater good reflects the true essence of a strong and effective leader."
Gaitan-Peet Leadership Award 2
Winner: Dua Khowaja
Year: Junior
Major: Economics and Accounting
Nominator Quote: "This student was a leader of the group, always willing to speak up on behalf of the group in a mature, respectable way. She was not afraid to communicate concerns as well as things that went well."
Gaitan-Peet Leadership Award 3
Winner: Deon Rodrigues
Year: Senior
Major: Criminal Justice
Nominator Quote: "As a servant leader, he actively works to support and include students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented. His proactive approach to engaging with students who may not initially connect with the work being done highlights his commitment to inclusivity and advocacy."
Outstanding First Year Student Leader
Winner: Aniyah Coston
Year: Freshman
Major: Political Science
Nominator Quote: "She's a very intelligent and dedicated student. She's ambitious and goal oriented. I believe that she will continue to strive for greatness and be a great representation of our Maverick community."
Outstanding Second Year Student Leader
Winner: Isadora Paul
Year: Sophomore
Major: Philanthropy
Nominator Quote: "She consistently goes above and beyond, leading initiatives that make a tangible difference. She has spent time building relationships with local policymakers and has worked to drive proactive change within the campus and local communities."
Outstanding Graduate Student Leader
Winner: Swastik Khadka
Year: Doctoral Student
Major: Civil Engineering
Nominator Quote: "His mentorship and collaborative spirit have elevated his peers’ development, while his work advances transportation technology. He exemplifies leadership, passion, and commitment, making him an outstanding candidate."