The Center for Leadership's Leadership Education and Development Program kicked off another year at the Sept. 11 Opening Ceremonies event in Lakeside Hall with a keynote address by Jon Dooley from Student Life.
The Center for Leadership’s Leadership Education and Development Program kicked off another year at the Sept. 11 Opening Ceremonies event in Lakeside Hall with a keynote address by Jon Dooley, assistant vice president for student life and dean of campus life.
The LEAD Program is a three-tiered, self-paced leadership and education development program open to all students. LEAD is comprised of interactive retreats, off-campus retreats, faculty/staff mentorship, service learning and critical reflection.
Each tier of the program enables students to think critically and reflectively about themselves and the impact they have on their community. Tier I, “Leading the Self,” explores personal foundations of leadership and establishing one’s self as an authentic leader. Tier II, “Leading with Others,” focuses on civic responsibility, group dynamics and cultural awareness and appreciation. Finally, Tier III, “Leading for Change,” is a culmination of a student’s leadership experience through immersion in positive, social change.
The LEAD Opening Ceremonies event is an annual tradition for new and current students to learn about the program and gain inspiration for the year ahead. Dana Carnes, interim director of the Center for Leadership discussed the importance of gaining leadership skills and the impact that LEAD is having at Elon. Carnes shared, “over 400 Elon students are actively participating, making it the largest leadership opportunity on campus. It gives you an opportunity to interact and learn from like-minded students who are genuinely interested in bettering themselves and their communities.”
Tyson Glover ’17, a member of Tier III, spoke about the importance of saying “yes.” Glover articulated the power of embracing unknown challenges and the benefits of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Following Glover, Dooley gave a powerful oration offering students with five essential pieces of advice to guide them through their leadership journeys. Dooley challenged students to do something out of the ordinary, find a space for regular reflection, spend time with people different from themselves, engage more deeply with service, and to be mindful of the needs of the world. Dooley’s address provided students with indispensable advice that will guide them successfully through both their leadership journeys and their collegiate careers.
Following the speakers, participants broke out into their respective Tier groups to learn more about the components of the program and upcoming events.
Students interested in joining the LEAD Program can sign up via Phoenix Connect, visit the Center for Leadership, or email lead@elon.edu.