A Slippery Rock University student showcased her newly developed leadership skills when SRU hosted the Association of Residence Hall Students (ARHS) Regional Leadership Conference, Nov. 7-8. The Campus Success Center was filled with nearly 300 students and advisers from more than a dozen regional universities, but for the ARHS chapter at SRU and organizers like McKenzie Kuth, it was a culmination of their leadership experience across campus.
Kuth, a senior mathematics major from Leechburg (Kiski HS), originally chose SRU because of its notable history as a teacher’s college and quality of education, something she scoped out as early as when she was in the eighth grade. But once she visited SRU, Kuth noted the vibrancy of the campus and the welcoming community. That experience motivated her to demonstrate those traits upon becoming an SRU student. She got that opportunity by organizing a conference on campus.
“When I first came to SRU, everyone was so welcoming and I wanted others to feel that too,” Kuth said. “I came here because it feels like somewhere that actually cares about people; it values people and education at the same time.”
Kuth is active with ARHS, a student organization that advocates for residence hall students and provides programming. This year, the chapter at SRU welcomed their peers from other universities for a regional conference and Kuth served as the conference chair. The two-day conference featured opening and closing ceremonies, leadership workshops, team-building sessions and regional collaboration to raise standards for residence life across universities – almost all of which Kuth was directly involved in coordinating.
“It was stressful at times, but SRU helped me develop the tools for this,” Kuth said. “You can learn here that being a leader means trusting others and letting them shine too. It was amazing seeing everything come together; it made me realize again how much I love this campus and the community here.”
From her experience leading color guard at Kiski Area High School, Kuth was inspired to continue her leadership at SRU, and in her case, that included a long list of clubs and organizations. Kuth’s growth involvement was not restricted to ARHS. She also is a member of the Honors College, Math Club president, Preservice Teachers of Mathematics Club Treasurer, a R.O.C.K. Apartment community assistant, an SRU Pride Guide, an SRSGA Senator and a math tutor – all of which she said helped her grow personally and professionally.
The welcoming spirit that guided Kuth’s journey is not something exclusive to her own experience – it’s something deeply rooted in SRU’s welcoming and collaborative community. As Kuth prepares her sixth and final semester in the spring, she looks back on a college experience defined by growth, belonging and purpose.
“Every person I’ve met here has made me a better version of myself,” Kuth said. “Getting involved is how you find your people here.”
More information about student clubs and organizations and campus life at SRU is available on the University website.
