From Minnesota to Alabama: Hannah Kosek finds her place at UAH through faith and leadership

By Hunter Anderson

Rooted in her faith and passion for people, Hannah Kosek has emerged as a leader committed to making a lasting impact on her community and supporting others.

As an out-of-state student, Kosek faced the challenge of establishing herself in an unfamiliar place.

“Walking down the sidewalk, I realized my parents had just left to go home, and I knew absolutely no one in the whole state,” she said. “That transition was humbling, but it also made me want to put myself out there and build connections.”

Kosek said the experience inspired her to pursue leadership roles where she could help other students feel welcomed and supported. She now holds several leadership positions across campus.

She serves as an Honors College community leader, planning and leading events designed to help students build meaningful connections.

“I’m most proud of our events bringing people together,” she said. “I’ll meet one person, then another, and introduce them. I love watching those connections grow throughout the semester.”

Kosek also serves as vice president of the College of Business Ambassadors.

“I wanted to be an ambassador because I wanted to help people the way others helped me,” she said.

As an admissions ambassador, Kosek works directly with prospective students and their families.

“I remember what it felt like to be new and not know anyone, and I want prospective students to feel comfortable and understood when they’re here,” she said.

Kosek said her faith plays a central role in her leadership philosophy.

“Coming to Christ in college, I try to reflect Jesus and be selfless, with a passion for people rooted in what I see in the Bible,” she said.

She describes leadership as a “butterfly effect.”

“I don’t think leadership is about awards or standing on a podium,” she said. “It’s about inspiring others to replicate what you’re doing.”

Kosek displayed an entrepreneurial spirit early. At age 12, she started a business selling fleece rope dog toys to her parents’ friends, eventually expanding to local consignment stores and farmers markets in Minnesota.

“I realized there was a market for it,” she said. “It taught me confidence because I had to put myself out there, and it grew my love for talking to people.”

After pausing her business when she came to UAH, Kosek said she hopes to relaunch it in Huntsville.

Kosek said her leadership is rooted in the lasting impact she hopes to leave on others.

“I want that butterfly effect to continue,” she said. “Ambassadors helped me, then I help new students, who then help others. That’s the impact — helping people feel comfortable and find connections the way I did.”

Looking ahead, Kosek plans to continue mentoring students and pursue a career in higher education.

“I’m excited to keep mentoring students,” she said. “I see myself working at a university and continuing to help students find their place.”