Leadership Education is a part of the Student Leadership Department at BYU. We provide practical leadership training to BYU students through several seminars and conferences. Through this training individuals learn leadership principles and are introduced to the Divine-centered Leadership model and how they can follow Jesus Christ's example of leadership in their lives.
They are also introduced to various leadership opportunities on campus through organizations within BYUSA, Student Leadership, and other departments.
Thomas Montoya III (aka Tommy), Student Lead
Personal: Tommy was born in Taos, New Mexico and was raised in the small community of Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona. Tommy was married to Jill Robertson on July 8th, 2009. He enjoys reading, the outdoors, and LOVES cheesecake.
Academic: Tommy is a Recreation Management and Youth Leadership major, and is minoring in Nonprofit Management. Tommy currently serves as the Nonprofit Management Student Association President. Tommy has been named to the Deans list for the College of Heath & Human Performance, and the BYU Dean of Students office.
Professional: Tommy worked for two years as the Campus Activities Assistant in the Department of Student Leadership (working with BYUSA activities) prior to transferring to Leadership Education. Additionally, Tommy worked as Student Administrator for BYU's Campus Education Week in 2007 and 2008. Prior to coming to BYU Tommy worked as a Radio DJ/Sports Commentator, and Bus Depot Saturday Morning Manager.
Alarie Gifford, Student Lead
Personal: Alarie is from Centennial,
Academic: Alarie is a Spanish Teaching Major with an English Teaching Minor. She serves as the Sigma Delta Pi - Spanish Honor Society Social Committee Chair. She will graduate in April 2010.
Professional: Alarie plans to teach English and Spanish in middle or high school. She also plans to take the LSAT in the upcoming year and apply to law school after graduation.
Adam Ruri, Student Lead
Personal: Adam was born and raised in Upper Hutt, New Zealand. He enjoys camping, singing, and socializing. He also served a mission for the LDS Church in Adelaide, Australia.
Academic: Adam is a Business Management major, with an emphasis in Operations. He plans on pursuing a law degree after graduating in April 2010. Adam also serves as the International Student Association President and Vice President of International for the BYU Rotaract Club.
Professional: Adam completed a term as the 2008-2009 BYUSA President and, prior to that, he served as the BYUSA Vice President of the Student Honor Association. During the summer of 2009, Adam worked as an intern for Senator Bob Bennett in Washington, D.C. Adam has also worked as an Especially For Youth Coordinator, Building Counselor, and Youth Counselor.