Kalyana Mondreti receives President's Student Leadership and Service Award

Kalyana Tejasvi Mondreti, DDS ’24, received the President’s Student Leadership and Service Award. 

The President’s Student Leadership and Service Award (PSLA) “recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding student leaders at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities,” according to the award website. “It is presented to students for their exceptional leadership and service to the University of Minnesota and the surrounding community.” 

Kalyana was nominated and given the award for her responsibility, tolerance of ambiguity, appreciation of differences and goal orientation. “I observe Kalyana’s love of tutoring other students and striving every day to provide our patients with quality care,” said Sheila Riggs, DDS, MS, DMSc, Chair of the Department of Primary Dental Care, in her nomination of Kalyana .

Growing up in a family of academicians and healthcare professionals, Kalyana has always had love for education and for healthcare. “I see dentistry as solving a complex puzzle, and I thoroughly enjoy the challenge it presents,” she said. “The ability to work with precision and some artistic inclination made me well-suited for the profession. I could make a difference in people’s lives through the art and science of dentistry and contribute to the betterment of our communities.”  

During her time in dental school, Kalyana was involved with a variety of activities in and outside the classroom. She tutored students, actively contributed to the School of Dentistry Alumni Society and assisted in alumni events, served on the school's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee and volunteered in a variety of capacities, including at the Special Healthcare Needs Clinic and Masonic Children's Hospital. She also completed the ADEA Academic Dental Career Fellowship Program and the Oral Health Education Certificate program.

Kalyana  sees her involvement in service and leadership as valuable to her growth as an individual and a provider. “Working on the DEI committee allowed me to gain valuable insights into the campus climate and work closely with faculty, students and staff who share similar values and goals,” she said. As someone who hopes to eventually work in oral health education, this perspective is crucial. “It offered me a platform to learn, understand and brainstorm ideas that could contribute to greater teamwork and collaboration between allied oral health professions.” 

Moreover, her time  at Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital “has given me a fresh outlook on dentistry,” she explained. “It’s not just about the ideal treatment, but about being realistic and practical. The procedures can sometimes be five hours or longer. It’s crucial to ensure that the patient’s time in the OR is maximized for their wellbeing.” 

No matter the activity, leadership and service are essential to what Kalyana  does. “Leadership means setting a positive example for others, and taking the initiative to guide and support them,” she reflected. “Active listening and empathy have always helped me build trust at every level. Service is about making a difference in my community by positively influencing and supporting those who require assistance.” 

For Kalyana, receiving the award is both an honor and a charge. 

“Receiving this award is a testament to my hard work and consistency, and it signifies that my contributions have not gone unnoticed,” Kalyana  shared. “The award carries a huge responsibility, as it sets a benchmark for my future actions in the dental profession. It pushes me to stay committed to my values and principles and be part of a positive change in the community.” 

Congratulations to Kalyana and to all the recipients of the President’s Student Leadership and Service Award.