The National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) named two New Mexico State University students as its Undergraduate and Graduate Outstanding Student Leaders of 2024 at its Regional Conference on March 16. Nevaeh Smith and Ishtiaq Ahmed were awarded for their exceptional leadership skills and contributions to NMSU's orientation programs.
Nevaeh Smith expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Earning the Outstanding Undergraduate Award was an unexpected, but well appreciated, surprise... makes the hard work I’ve put into NMSU’s orientation program worth it.” On the other hand, Ishtiaq Ahmed shared his thoughts on the significance of the award, mentioning, “To me, receiving this award is truly significant because it shows that my office believes in me and trusts me to do important work... reflects the collaborative and supportive environment at NMSU, which helps student leaders like us to grow and succeed.”
Ahmed further elaborated on his role as a Graduate Family Ambassador, highlighting his involvement in various activities that have contributed to his leadership development. Smith also emphasized the value of working in a diverse team, stating, “Being able to work on such a diverse team has given me more insight to cultures that I don’t have a personal connection to. I’m able to hold myself to NMSU’s core values every day because of that.”
The NODA Regional Conference, held in St. George, Utah, brought together colleges from Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico to celebrate student leadership in orientation programs. Since 1977, NODA has been dedicated to enhancing orientation, transition, and retention practices in higher education, providing professional development and leadership opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student leaders.
Both awardees expressed their appreciation for the supportive environment at NMSU, which has allowed them to thrive as student leaders. Ahmed shared, “This award represents more than a personal achievement; it reflects the collaborative and supportive environment at NMSU, which helps student leaders like us to grow and succeed.”
For those interested in learning more about NODA and its programs, visit www.nodaweb.org. To become an orientation leader at NMSU and join the award-winning team, visit https://awo.nmsu.edu/.