Amanda Hux’s passion for justice and policy began well before college. While many of her classmates dragged their feet through AP history and government, she looked forward to every lesson. Today, that same enthusiasm – paired with her genuine dedication to people and community–guides her leadership as Student Body President at the University of Arkansas.
Originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, Amanda Hux is a senior at the University of Arkansas, majoring in political science and criminology. Currently, she serves as the 104th elected Student Body President, overseeing around 33,000 students and supporting them through service, advocacy, policy, and programming. In such a distinguished and public role, Hux aims to promote a sense of approachability and humility.
“I knew I wanted to create a space where students feel like they could approach the student body president and they could speak with them, whether that be students within [ASG] or outside of it,” said Hux.
Naturally community-driven, Hux said she chose the University of Arkansas because the people here shared her values of faith and service. After becoming a member of the Chi Omega Psi Chapter and a constituent of the Freshman Leadership Forum within ASG, Hux said she found her ideal community. She added that her mentors in both organizations cultivated a spirit of connection and outreach in her — lessons that she has carried into her presidency today.
“It becomes very easy for me to want to serve our members and to serve the student body because I do feel a loyalty to them and to the university,” Hux said.
After serving for two years on the Freshman Leadership Forum staff – holding roles such as Director of Special Events and Education, and as Director of Recruitment within the ASG Cabinet, Hux felt prepared to step into a position where her voice could be amplified to care for others on broader scale. She noted that people have always been her “strong suit,” and that she felt comfortable in conversation and creating community.
As Student Body President, Hux serves as the voice of the undergraduate student body, connecting students with university administration and the Fayetteville community. She oversees ASG’s Executive Cabinet, leads key committees such as Safe Ride and the Program Allocations Board, and represents student interests in meetings with university leadership. She explains how the role is a “baptism by fire of sorts,” getting thrown into situations requiring professionalism, time management, organization, and conflict.
One of those defining moments came earlier this year, when the University faced a frightening campus lockdown prompted by a false shooting report. As panic spread among students and staff, Hux responded with personability and grace, offering comfort through her words: “What happened on campus was a threat to our peace of mind as a student body,” she wrote. “I want you to know, as an exec, we understand. Please give yourself grace where you can — the beautiful thing about grace is that it is not earned. Please process, feel your emotions, and be a place for others to as well.”
In a moment of collective fear, Hux’s message reminded students that empathy and understanding are just as powerful as policy.
Hux said balancing leadership with college life can be challenging, especially when peers look to her for guidance. “It’s taught me faith and reminded me that this job is about something bigger than myself,” she said. “I’ve learned that a superpower in a leadership position is to genuinely care and invest in the souls of the people that you are leading, not just take a backseat and try to achieve for the sake of achieving.”
This superpower is evident, exemplified by her colleagues’ respect and loyalty to her.
“She sets an example every single day, and everyone else looks up to her and tries to live up to that standard,” said Co-Director of Education of FLF Staff, Kevin Deepak, also a former member of Hux’s small group in her first year of FLF staff. “If I can be more helpful like she is, if I can be more kind and thoughtful like she is, that’s what drives me.”
Kevin also said how he feels Hux’s absence next year will be deeply felt, as the way that she treats people has completely shaped how he views student government.
Hux’s assistant, Parker Wagnon, who works closely with her, described her leadership style as “honest, funny, and approachable.”
“I’ve learned [from her example] to be honest with who you’re leading and not putting up any sort of barriers, but to treat everyone equally with respect, and appreciating everyone’s contributions,” said Wagnon.
Wagnon’s reflection captures the kind of authenticity that Hux herself aims to model in her role.
“I don’t want to be seen as this untouchable figurehead. I want people to have known me and to have felt like they were seen and loved by me. That’s what I hope to leave behind,” said Hux.
For Hux, college has been a transformative chapter of growth and self-discovery. Hux gives credit to the Associated Student Government, providing her with not only professional growth but also in handling herself in an “honorable way that is noble and a way that people can feel solace or comfort in.”
And as this chapter comes to an end in May, Hux plans to move to Washington, D.C., to attend law school and continue serving on a wider scale. One day, she hopes to join the President’s Cabinet or serve as a U.S. Attorney. It is evident that wherever she goes, she will leave a legacy of intentional leadership. After all, for Hux, leadership has never been about power but instead about people.
Siena Lamb // Director of Communications // Instagram @sienalamb