Randolph Community College is soliciting applications for its second annual Student Leadership Academy, to be held on Saturday, April 18. Around 18-20 students will be selected to attend the Academy, which will feature topics such as "What is Leadership," "Personality Type and Leadership Style," "Ethics and Leadership," and "Leadership in Difficult Situations." The keynote speaker will be Dr. Scott Ralls, president of the North Carolina Community College System.
Other speakers include Dr. Mary Rittling, president of Davidson County Community College; Gary Mason, chief of police for the city of Asheboro; and Keith Crisco, president of Asheboro Elastics.
Student leadership development was one of several priority initiatives identified by Dr. Robert Shackleford when he became president of RCC in January 2007. Last spring's inaugural Student Leadership Academy was given high marks by the 14 students who attended. "The speeches of Dr. Shackleford, Dr. Keys and Professor Coleman were excellent," said one attendee. "I learned some things about myself that I did not know," said another.
The Academy will offer students the opportunity to learn about leadership from local and regional leaders. Participants will also have the chance to identify their own leadership styles and learn how to use that information effectively. Students will create a personal portfolio, which will be reviewed by Human Resource professionals who will give feedback to assist in developing more professional polish. The student with the highest quality portfolio presentation will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon. The day will conclude as students hear about specific opportunities for leadership in Randolph County. Students who complete the Leadership Academy will be recognized at graduation.
Other benefits for the students chosen include breakfast with the RCC president in fall 2009, participation in a group service/leadership project for RCC in fall 2009, the opportunity to participate in selected college committees such as marketing and enrollment management, and the opportunity to participate in the selection committee for the next Student Leadership Academy.
Interested students must fill out an electronic application form and ask a faculty member to submit an electronic letter of reference that addresses their leadership potential. Faculty members may write reference letters for more than one applicant. Any student enrolled in a curriculum program at RCC is eligible to apply.
Students may download a pdf of the application form here. Applications must be e-mailed to Susan Milner, executive director of institutional advancement, at svmilner@randolph.edu by 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26.
