Where leaders are born
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." These words by sixth U.S. president John Quincy Adams are the heart of the University of Kentucky's Emerging Leadership Institute (ELI), an exciting program that helps students develop their leadership potential through a series of programs and real-life experiences.
This highly competitive program, in which 25 emerging freshmen and sophomores are selected to participate each fall and spring semester, provides a unique opportunity for students to analyze and develop their leadership skills while enhancing their abilities in the areas of critical and creative thinking strategies, communication, understanding ethical decision making, goal setting, and embracing cultural diversity.
You may have heard of born leaders. Well, the Emerging Leadership Institute is where many of UK's student leaders are born by tackling a variety of issues in classes such as Styles of Leadership; Effective Communication Skills; Personal Goal Setting; Ethical Decision Making; and Valuing Global Perspectives.
"I've never seen so much potential in one room. These students and instructors will definitely leave an impact on my collegiate and professional career," said Gregory Robinson, a current Emerging Leader student. "It means a lot when I can take a class that focuses on my development as a person and a leader."
Students grasp a strong understanding of civic engagement as they work in groups to create meaningful leadership projects that bring about positive change to the campus and community. This group work helps teach students the value of working collaboratively to bring about this change, and also encourages students to work toward a common purpose and handle controversy with civility.
"The Emerging Leadership Institute is a direct investment that the University has made in me and my classmates," said Robinson. "We are given the opportunity to meet with notable leaders on campus and in the community, while focusing on issues and styles of leadership."
In an effort to further potential growth and success, each student is placed into a mentor group, meeting weekly with a UK faculty or staff member. Additionally, students meet with a fellow graduate of the Emerging Leader Institute to receive support, resources and encouragement in developing their leadership projects.
ELI is offered by the Office of Student Involvement in UK Student Affairs. The course instructor is Lauren Goodpaster, program director for Leadership & Service in the Office of Student Involvement.
“Every semester I am honored to be able to work with such talented and motivated students," Goodpaster said. "Watching each student grow throughout the course is both rewarding and humbling. ELI students are truly devoted to bettering themselves in order to better their community. It is students like these who make me hopeful for the future of our community and world.”
Students accepted for the institute earn three credit hours of pass/fail elective college credit for their involvement in the program and completion of their leadership projects. This spring, the program is proud to begin to offer the class for a grade. Whether students are ready to take on a leadership position, or simply want to test the waters, becoming a part of the Emerging Leadership Institute can be a key to success as a future leader both on campus and in subsequent careers.
The Emerging Leadership Institute at the University of Kentucky, where leaders are born!
