Lead UNH
Your leadership journey starts here
Everyone has the capacity to be a leader. That is our belief within Student Engagement & Belonging. We offer leadership education, training, and development opportunities that meet the leadership needs and interests of all UNH students, allowing them to explore and develop their individual, organizational, and societal potential for change.
Lead UNH
LEAD UNH 2027 | January 17 - January 20 | Camp Cody in Freedom, NH
Lead UNH is a 4-day, 3-night immersive experience for students who are excited to begin their leadership journey. Through the lens of positive social change, students will be challenged to make an impact in their community by developing their leadership identity, exploring group dynamics, examining leadership challenges from a systemic perspective, and committing to intentional and actionable transformation. They will also have the opportunity to build lasting connections with other students and staff from across UNH.
All lodging, meals, and transportation are included, and the experience is completely free to students.
Applications Close 10/21 at 11:59 PM
Student leadership awards
Each year UNH students, staff, and faculty recognize exceptional students who have distinguished themselves in the areas of growth, inclusivity, leadership, and programming by nominating them for one of the University's prestigious student awards. In the spring, the University community gathers to formally acknowledge the outstanding achievements of these award recipients at the annual Student Leadership Awards. This year's event will be held on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026, from 5-7 PM.
Nominations close March 6, 2026, at 11:59 pm
Student awards descriptions
Advocacy and Action Award
At one time, UNH had four separate, yet inter-connected, diversity, equity and inclusion-focused university commissions: The President's Commission on the Status of GLBT Issues, The President's Commission on the Status of People of Color, The President's Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, and The President's Commission on the Status of Women. Each commission would seek to further improve inclusion across the university for students, faculty and staff through various efforts and initiatives. The four commissions have since been unified as The University Commission on Community, Equity and Diversity (UCCED). The Advocacy & Action award represents the unification of these historic recognitions. It celebrates UNH community members who embody our university's diversity statement. Those selected for this award have acted as consistent advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion throughout their time at UNH.
Class of 1899 Prize
Awarded to that senior who has developed the highest ideals of citizenship during a course of study. (open to all campuses)
Erskine Mason Award
To that senior who is distinguished for most consistent progress and achievement.(open to all campuses)
Frederick Smyth Book Award
A bequest from Frederick Smyth established this fund to support the purchase of books. It is awarded to a student who has shown the highest dedication to their own and their peers’ academic success. (open to all campuses)
Helen Duncan Jones Award
Awarded to the sophomore paying part or all of their way through the University who, shows the greatest promise of outstanding achievement in American citizenship, leadership, and scholarship. (open to all campuses)
Commitment to Justice Award
This award will recognize a student who advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This student displays courage and conviction in facing issues that challenge injustice and, through their efforts, have a positive impact at UNH.
Community Service Project of the Year
This award will recognize a specific outstanding community service project or initiative within the local community or beyond coordinated by a recognized student organization.
Donald F. Harley Scholarship
This award is open to a sophomore or junior student leader who belongs to one of the Student Activity Fee (SAF) Organizations. In order to be eligible for the scholarship nominees must have participated in the organization for at least six months, demonstrate strong leadership qualities, and have a GPA of 2.50 or better.
Leaders in Action Award
This award will recognize a student that has placed a strong emphasis on leadership development, campus involvement, and/or inclusion.
New Student Org of the Year
This award is for the new student organization that has demonstrated excellence in areas including programming and leadership during their first two years as a recognized student organization. An organization may not win this award more than once.
Org of the Year
This award is for the student organization that has been the premier organization throughout the year.
Outstanding Collaboration of the Year
This award will recognize an outstanding event or program where two or more recognized student organizations have collaborated.
Outstanding Marketing Award
This award will recognize an outstanding marketing achievement or initiative undertaken by a student organization.
Outstanding Program or Initiative on Inclusion
This award will recognize an outstanding student organization-led program or initiative that promotes inclusion on campus.
Phoenix Award
This award will recognize the student organization that has shown the most dramatic improvement this past year.
Program of the Year
This award will recognize an outstanding program or series of programs put on by a student organization.
Rookie of the Year
This award will recognize a student who has emerged as a strong leader during their first year in the student organization.
Spotlight Award
This award will recognize a student who has stepped up within their recognized student organization when the org faced challenges, to fill in a leadership gap, or went above and beyond.
Student Leader of the Year
This award will recognize one student leader who has been the pinnacle of involvement and leadership among the community.
UNH's Best Award
This award will recognize student leaders who are respected by the student body and beyond, demonstrating appropriate balance in all areas of college life.
Students who are nominated for, but not selected as, Student Leader of the Year are also considered for this award.
Unsung Hero Award
This award will recognize a student leader who works successfully behind the scenes.