Hometown: Champaign, Illinois
Major: Legal Studies
Future Plans: Obtain master's in social work

Nakaya Hughes chose the University of Illinois Springfield because of the small class sizes. “UIS checked off the same boxes as my high school and I was thrilled to find a university that would help me succeed both inside and outside of the classroom,” she said. Hughes is president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, an administrative and social media representative for Campus Child Advocates, and is a member of the Social Work Club, Active Minds and Bake Club. Hughes says she enjoys the variety of student organizations at UIS and the benefits they provide to students. “(Being involved) gives the students connections within these organizations to find resources on and off campus to help them with themselves or their future careers,” she said. Following graduation from UIS, she plans on returning to school for her master’s in social work.

Leadership is lived at UIS. Every Day.