College of Education Student of the Month

This award recognizes students who are knowledgeable, ethical, caring and good decision makers as demonstrated through leadership abilities, academic success, and a commitment to promoting the education through their involvement in the College of Education, the University, and/or the community.

Joel Hardy
May 2010

Being a student at K-State has exposed Joel to a wide variety of experiences in his leadership roles in the residence halls and in the College of Education. He has learned that no two students are alike and everyone works differently. He has also learned that some students need to be taught differently than others and that they will respond to various teaching styles. This has opened his eyes to the fact that the decisions that he makes impact a wide range of people. Joel said, “It is safe to say that the people that I have lead, so to speak, have taught me so much about not only myself but about people in general.”

Joel was a recipient of the Mabel Strong scholarship in 2009, which is given to outstanding student leaders in the residence halls. He has also been named as the Executive Board Member of the Month as well as Student of the Month by the National Residence Hall Honorary in his three-plus years at K-State.

When Joel first came to K-State, he wanted to become involved as much as possible, and although it has been time-consuming, he is glad he has had the opportunities he has had. He has served as president and vice president of a residence hall, president of the College of Education Student Council, and president and founder of the Social Studies Club. These jobs really gave Joel a taste for what it is like to lead students, and he loved every second of it. Also serving as College of Education Open House chair, he said he was able to see what goes into planning such a huge event. Joel showed his creativity when he introduced Education Council members to the talent of making balloon animals to give to the young visitors at Open House. This has been a popular part of Open House in Bluemont Hall for the past two years. All in all, he has really enjoyed his time as a student leader, and cannot wait to do more!

Joel truly enjoys being a leader because he loves to see others benefit from his hard work. Nothing more makes him happier!

Education Council is pleased to recognize Joel Hardy as a valuable part of the College of Education and the teaching profession.