There are many traits one could attribute to Peyton Henry. She is known to be supportive, which is evident through her work in student support services. She is inviting, having created opportunities on campus for students to feel included. She is a leader, serving as president of a major student organization. But overall, she is kind. She has devoted her time to being someone who makes others feel welcome, who bolsters the spirits and experiences of those in her orbit. And she does so not because she feels it’s her duty, but because it’s simply who Peyton is.

Supporting Students

One of the ways Peyton has supported her peers is through her volunteer and office roles on campus. She is an avid volunteer for UM-Dearborn’s Student Food Pantry and holds the title of program assistant in the Dearborn Support Office. The Student Food Pantry and Dearborn Support Office assist students by providing them with free resources and ensuring that their basic needs are met.

“What makes these experiences meaningful is the personal interactions I have with other students,” Peyton said. “Many of them come in feeling stressed or unsure about various things. Being kind, helping them find resources and food, and making sure they leave with what they need reminds me that small acts of service make a difference.”

Reflecting on the impact that even the smallest acts of kindness can have on others, Peyton believes that making a difference is not solely relegated to large platforms or sums of money, but can be provided through daily intentional service.

“In my roles, I have realized how important it is to create a supportive environment where students feel seen and respected.”

Justice and Inclusion

Peyton currently serves as president of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective (CCJC) on campus. “I have served three terms in this role, and each term has strengthened my sense of responsibility, professionalism and leadership,” Peyton said.

During her time as president of CCJC, Peyton organized a Sex Trafficking Awareness Panel, where survivors and law enforcement officials came to campus to share their experiences and discuss safety related to the topic.

"This event was especially impactful for students, as it not only raised awareness about the realities of sex trafficking but also provided knowledge on recognizing warning signs and staying safe within their own communities,” Peyton said. “Events like this are one of the main goals of my org, and what I want to do with my life, which is to raise awareness of such topics.”

Peyton’s mentor, Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Dr. Amny Shuraydi, shared how Peyton’s leadership of CCJC has created an approachable, collaborative and considerate group environment. “She has transformed the organization from a ‘criminal justice’ oriented program that could be intimidating for some to one that incorporates all aspects of justice and various perspectives,” Dr. Shuraydi said.

Bringing People Together

Peyton is certainly no stranger to hosting events on campus. In fact, it’s one of the ways she’s made a large impact. Creating opportunities and spaces for students to thrive and find community.

"It is important for me to create events on campus that bring people together because it gives my peers the opportunity to engage with real-world issues and professionals beyond the classroom," Peyton said. "These experiences help build awareness and practical knowledge while also making students feel more inspired and confident about their future. Seeing students come together, ask questions, and form connections has shown me how meaningful these events can be for both personal growth and career development."

Along with organizing the Sex Trafficking Awareness Panel, she’s also coordinated large events like the Criminal Justice Career Fair, along with a Law School Panel.

Dr. Amny Shuraydi commented on the impact of these events, sharing how they “help students connect with community members, learn about local issues and opportunities, discover new potential career paths they hadn't previously envisioned, and bring positive attention to our department and campus.”

Building Her Future

Being both a CCJ and a psychology major, Peyton is on track to pursue a fulfilling career in law enforcement. During her time as an undergrad, she completed a class with the National Forensics Academy Collegiate Program in Tennessee and had the opportunity to participate in UM-Dearborn’s Cold Case Partnership with Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

“My passion is to work within the criminal justice field with forensics and to work on criminal investigations for violent crimes,” Peyton said. “These opportunities have solidified even more to me that this is the work I truly want to be doing.”