Several programs and
conferences hosted by Appalachian State University make this campus
a learning lab for leadership development.
Programs such as Emerging Leaders are specifically
targeted toward first-semester freshmen in order to pose questions
about strengths and limitations and how to become successful students.
“Emerging Leaders helped me to learn and develop
skills in group facilitation, but mainly, it helped me see what I
am capable of,” said Andy C. Bassett, a senior business major.
The flip side to Emerging Leaders is Keystone, led by Dr. Jim Street
Jr., associate director of the Center for Student Involvement and
Leadership (CSIL).
Keystone is designed for graduating seniors and serves as the final
chapter in undergraduate leadership development. The program gives
seniors a chance to share their concerns, fears and dreams about the
future with others who often feel the same way.
“I see these individuals come in their freshman year with no
idea of what is before them,” said Street. “Then, four years
later they are in Keystone with the same fears about the next experience.”
Keystone allows seniors to reflect on their time at Appalachian State
and think about how they will apply what they have learned in college
to the challenges they will face in the real world.
“Keystone offers seniors closure on their time at Appalachian
State University,” said Street.
Another program, Leadership 101, is offered to all students every
other Tuesday.
Student Development staff and faculty members are responsible for
different speeches geared toward a focus on organization.
“Involvement in leadership programs helps a student to learn
leadership theory and put it into practice,” said Tracy L. Wright,
director of Multicultural Student Programs in CSIL.
Leadership Team, a program offered for about nine upperclassmen, gives
students the opportunity to support Freshman Seminar. These students
also help teach organizations how to motivate members to become involved
in leadership
“They are teaching others what they have learned, while in turn
they learn how to problem-solve, group facilitate and become an effective
public speaker,” said Street.
Many conferences come that educate one enormously in just one day.
The Appalachian State University Leadership Forum will be held Oct.
13.
The Women’s Leadership Conference and the Greek Leadership Conference
are scheduled for spring semester.
To learn more about leadership programs at Appalachian, contact CSIL
at 262-6252.
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