Florida's Finest
Leadership training on campus statewide

By Catherine Smith

Private Colleges
Where:  Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach
What: Sixty of the top eighth graders in the Volusia County Schools System were selected to participate in a three-day seminar geared towards exploring the life and leadership of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune through an analysis of her writings and famous speeches. The seminar, held on the Bethune-Cookman College campus, was based on the theme “Dreamers Die, But Dreams Live On.” Instructors explored Dr. Bethune’s vision for world unity and her global perspective on leadership and discussed tactics for improving respectful education of African-American youth and building a better world.
Why: To concentrate on educating youth in the community and pass on a legacy to students who will be the emerging leaders of tomorrow.
Who: Contact Thometta Cozart at thometta.conzart@cookman.edu for more information.
—Chelsea Ellis

Where: Rollins College, Orlando
What: A variety of programs offered through the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership funded by an endowment from the David H. Lord Foundation. Classes and workshops include INT225B Foundations in Leadership, a for-credit course on leadership and social change; and EMERGE and VENTURE, two leadership workshops offered fall and spring semester respectively. There is also an Advisor/ Officer Training and Recognition series that provides ongoing training and development in the areas of student recognition, college funding, and community engagement for student organization advisers. The Peer Educators/ Rollins Leadership Consultants promotes leadership development through the facilitation of classes, workshops, and seminars and consults organizations on a variety of leadership topics.
Why: To create innovative learning environments within and outside of the classroom that will aid the transition to college and beyond by promoting citizenship, multiculturalism and community involvement through education, training, and experiential activities
Who: Contact Cara Meixner at cmeixner@rollins.edu for more information.
—Chelsea Ellis

Where: Florida Christian College, Kissimmee
What: All FCC students who obtain a degree must complete the Life-long Leadership Development program. There are four areas of development that the program concentrates on—spiritual, personal, community, and career development.
     Spiritual development is accomplished by attending two types of worship. Family Worship Hour (chapel) allows for the college community to come together for corporate worship, which facilitates an environment for varied experiences of preaching, teaching, and presentation styles. On the other side of the spectrum is D-Groups, smaller gatherings of students designed to provide personal growth and integrity.
     P.A.C.E. (Promoting Achievement, Character, and Excellence) incorporates for-credit classes and seminars into students’ educational curriculum, encouraging the personal development aspect of the Life-long program. P.A.C.E. provides the life skills needed for success in college and promotes continuing education.
     “Christians are called to be a light to both the Christian community and to the community at large, their fellow man,” says Terry Allcorn, FCC’s vice president of student life. “Christian service is a vital aspect of leadership development.” Students achieve the community development area by completing the mandatory 15 events per semester, all of which must have a clear Christian service purpose.
     The career development category is the final area students strive to achieve in FCC’s program. Beginning students take a course to assess their career goal and aspirations. Other courses are taken in each student’s field of interest throughout their college years. An internship is completed during a student’s senior year.
Why: The program has been in place for most of FCC’s 25 years in existence. FCC believes its purpose is to provide its students with a greater understanding of leadership and the ability to lead others under Christ’s guidance. “FCC strives to purposefully prepare leaders for both Christian ministry and [teaching] K-12 education,” Allcorn says.
Who: Contact the student life office at (407) 847-8966 or studentlife@fcc.edu for more information. Web: www.fcc.edu/studentlife/pace.htm.
—Catherine Smith

Where: Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale
What: The Leadership Development Academy is a four-phase program that’s structured in a progressive format throughout student’s four years at NSU. The esteemed Raquel Ferrero Leadership Medallion is awarded to the students who complete the program. Various activities are incorporated into the academy, including retreats, workshops, group book discussions, seminars, conferences, and service-learning projects.
     The four-year leadership development track begins with freshmen becoming “Certified Student Leaders.” Beginning students must complete one book study, four workshops, 20 hours of community service, and belong to a student club or organization to be certified.
     Sophomores evolve to “Emerging knights” by completing two book studies, eight workshops, 40 hours of community service, belonging to a student club or organization for two semesters and being an officer in that organization.
     Juniors become members of Omicron Delta Kappa upon completion of three book studies, 12 workshops, 100 hours of community service, maintaining an officer status in a club or organization for two semesters, holding a 3.0 GPA, serving as a Peer Leadership Consultant for one semester, and developing and organizing a campus-wide event.
     “Medallion” status is achieved after a senior co-leads one book study, attends four book studies, co-presents for four workshops, attends 12 workshops, completes 150 hours of community service, holds an officer position for four semesters, creates and runs two campus-wide events, and serves as a Peer Leadership Consultant for one year.
Why: “An NSU leader exercises civic responsibility, taking action, and engaging others to make a positive difference for the common good,” says Terry Weech, NSU’s director of student activities and leadership development. “We believe that individuals do not need a formal position to be leaders, but every act of leadership has the ability to affect individuals, teams, organizations, the community at hand, and society at large.”
Who: Contact Terry Weech at (954) 262-7293 or weechtd@nova.edu for more information. Web: www.sald.nova.edu.
—Catherine Smith

Where: Jacksonville University, Jacksonville
What: The LEAD@JU program incorporates its belief of “Lead, Excel, Achieve, Do” into its year-long leadership training program. Each spring semester, LEAD students are nominated and selected to attend the seminars and retreats held through the following year. The off-campus retreats encourage team-building behavior through the various activities.
Why: The program was designed for already identified leaders, and to help those individuals prepare for their leadership positions. However, a change is expected to occur. “We will be expanding the program to make it available for anyone (identified or hiding in the bushes) to gain experience in needed leadership skills,” says John Balog, vice president for student life.
Who:  Contact the Director of Campus Activities Tina Horvath at (904) 745-7526 or JU’s Dean of Students Kassi Kain at (904) 745-7070 for more information.
—Catherine Smith

Where: Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
What: The LEADS program at FIT began in the spring of 2002 and was comprised of six interactive sessions, four which had to be completed in a semester for students to earn LEADS certificate. More than 50 students were certified after the first semester of LEADS. The various topics included Transition 101, Leadership Qualities and Ethics, Motivation and Teambuilding, Planning an effective Retreat, the Art of Time Management and Delegation, and a Collaboration workshop. More topics will be offered in the fall 2002, and a more advanced LEADS program will be available in the spring 2003 semester.
Why: The mission of the program is “to provide a student-centered program for the development of leadership skills and abilities,” says Beth Sacksteder, assistant director for student activities at FIT.
Who: Contact Beth Sacksteder or Assistant Director for Student Activities Paul Giberson at (321) 674-8080 for more information.
—Catherine Smith

Where: Okaloosa-Walton Community College, Niceville
What: The Army ROTC program at OWCC is a two-year program developed to facilitate the transition between the community college and a four-year university. The program requires between one and four semester hours for participation. Students attend Military Science I and Military Science II classes that focus on an introduction to the military and fundamental principles of leadership. However, training is composed of both classroom and laboratory instruction. Twice a year, students conduct a field training exercise that enhances the basic skills taught in the classroom. Students are also encouraged to improve their level of fitness by attending physical fitness training. Upon successful completion with a four-year degree, a student is commissioned into the Army as a second lieutenant.
Why: The Army ROTC program prepares students for a career where they will be charged to lead and manage the training, morale, welfare, discipline, and overall success of a platoon of soldiers, which may include more than 30 men and women. More importantly, they gain a sense of pride and accomplishment as they further both their civilian and military education. “Army ROTC truly teaches college students to become the future leaders of our nation,” said Captain David P. Doherty, assistant professor of military science.
Who: Contact Captain David P. Doherty, assistant professor of military science, at (850) 729-6022 or dohertyd@owcc.net for more information.
—Chelsea Ellis

Public Schools
Where: University of South Florida, Tampa
What: The Leadership Center offers information advantageous to student leaders including the Leadership Library that is the host of an array of books and resources for aspiring leaders, a database of approximately 300 clubs and student organizations, and a forum for campus involvement opportunities to be explored.
     USF also offers ambitious students a minor in Leadership Studies, which is obtained by completing 18 hours in six interdisciplinary courses concentrating in leadership involvement on campus and in the community. The Leadership Studies minor was approved less than two years ago, and about 450 students are now involved in these courses.
     Workshops, lectures, and conferences are available to students not working on the minor and seeking to expand their leadership potential. They consist of “anything from an hour-long workshop on how to set goals to a two-day workshop on identity development,” says Laurie Woodward, student activities director.
Why: “The program is a partnership with other departments on campus, and we’ve tried to create students who help others move, grow, and make things happen,” Woodward says. The faculty and staff involved in USF’s leadership initiatives hope to model the behavior that students can replicate in order to possess the leadership qualities that future employers are looking for from graduating college students. The skills learned now will benefit the careers, communities, and lives of student leaders. “Leadership is about continuous growth and continuous learning,” Woodward says.
Who: Contact Laurie Woodward at (813) 974-7595 or lwood@admin.usf.edu for more information. Web: www.usf.edu.
—Catherine Smith

Where: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
What: L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Education and Diversity) is a leadership program consisting of various retreats and workshops that are dispersed throughout the school year.
     Usually held during the first weekend of school for beginning freshmen and transfer students is the Emerging Leaders Retreat. Tailored specifically for these new students, the retreat provides guidance on ways to get involved on campus and basic leadership skills. The Diversity Retreat is for upper-class students who are interested in multicultural issues. The Survival Retreat is the final in the triad and is open to past attendees of either earlier retreat. “This retreat focuses on team building and usually involves activities at a ropes course,” says Michelle Dunn.
     Every month a workshop focusing on specific areas of leadership is presented, which vary from ‘time management’ and ‘group motivation’ to ‘conflict resolution’ and ‘understanding your teams.’
     Students who complete any combination of four of the retreats and workshops and fulfill the required 30 hours of community service by the end of the year are awarded with a leadership certificate.
     Those who obtain the certificate receive recognition on their transcripts in addition to their invitation to join the Leadership Committee that is made up of faculty, staff and students. “Assistance in this committee, in turn, continues their leadership progress, as many students go on to help plan and facilitate workshops and/or retreats,” Dunn said.
Why: To develop leadership skills such as time management, group motivation, conflict resolution, and understanding team members.
Who: Contact Michelle Dunn at mdunn@fau.edu for more information.
—Chelsea Ellis

Where: University of North Florida, Jacksonville
What: A newly developed four-part series of leadership seminars will give UNF students the opportunity to obtain a Leadership Certificate. The instructors and students set up all of the seminars, and both parties agree on a set of standards including the reading materials, writing papers, and participation in a single or series of projects.
     “The Introduction to Leadership [seminar] will introduce students to varying definitions of leadership, some of the key theories, explore similarities and differences between leadership and management, and incorporate opportunities for self reflection,” says Anita Vorreyer-Hedges, interim assistant vice president for student affairs. The second seminar, “Leading Others: Building Relationships,” will be offered in the spring of 2003. In addition to the introduction course being offered again in the fall of 2003, the third in the series, “Ethics and Decision Making,” will also be available. The final seminar, “Leading Toward the Future,” will give students the opportunity to apply the knowledge learned from the prior seminars to real-life situations. They will undergo a practical experience or internship, a self-assessment, and a final paper.
Why: The series was designed not to train students how to run a meeting or set up an agenda but rather teach leadership as a life-long attribute. “It’s about developing coalitions, positioning power, and influencing—not just who’s in charge because of a title,” Vorreyer-Hedges says. According to Vice President for Student Affairs Mauricio Gonzalez, the newly revised mission statement reads, “The most important outcome of the work we perform…is to have instilled in the students we serve an understanding of responsible citizenship and leadership. This results in students leaving the university prepared to continue to grow, learn, and serve in the context of an increasingly complex, pluralistic, and changing world.”
     "Our long-term goal with this program is to offer the leadership course as a for-credit course in UNF’s academic curriculum,” Vorreyer-Hedges says.
Who: Contact the office of the vice president for student affairs at (904) 620-2600 for more information. Web: www.unf.edu.
—Catherine Smith

Where: Florida State University, Tallahassee
What: Many leadership development programs exist on the FSU campus. The Organization & Leadership Services (OLS) Activities Council is comprised of students, who organize and implement the other leadership program sponsored by the OLS. The Leadership Invasion goes to various student groups and organizations and teaches them leadership theories and skills. The Genesis Program provides a residential facility for incoming freshmen who desire to be surrounded by other leaders. The Leadership Summit is a one-day leadership conference that gathers students to interact with their peers in a leadership context. Workshops, seminars, lectures, and other forums are also available to FSU aspiring leaders.
Why: The goals of the OLS include exposing students to different styles of leadership, implementing and running new programs, provide awareness of leadership and service opportunities, and collaborate with other university departments and officials.
Who: Contact Jennifer Behnke, coordinator of OLS, at (850) 644-6454 or jbehnke@admin.fsu.edu for more information.
—Catherine Smith

Community Colleges
Where: Seminole Community College, Sanford
What: The SCC Leadership Institute hosts five weekend-long leadership retreats throughout the school year. Attendees participate in low ropes challenges, lectures, presentations, case studies, role-plays, and various group activities. The retreats are administered by the SCC Student Activities Office, school administration, special guests, and the Leadership Challenge Team—a group of seven advanced student leaders.
     After students have attended at least one leadership retreat for new leaders, they are invited to the Advanced Leadership Institute retreats. “Each advanced retreat is an exciting weekend event with a series of seminars on leadership theories, personality and leadership styles, effective communication techniques, giving and receiving feedback, leading, supervising, and coaching others, appreciating diversity, working as part of a team, and group facilitation skills,” says Shelley Ouellette, SCC’s media and public relations coordinator.
Why: SCC’s goal is to create and develop student leaders by promoting personal growth and encouraging exemplary leadership training. The administration’s dedication and efforts in assisting with the development of the SCC Leadership Institute has truly impacted the program. “There are a zillion reasons to want to meet with a group of fresh-faced students who are in the process of becoming incredible human beings,” says Ann McGee, president.
Who: Contact the SCC student activities office at (407) 328-2320 for more information.
Web: http://www2.scc-fl.edu/sa/LeadershipRetreats.htm.
—Catherine Smith

Where: Indian River Community College, Ft. Pierce (see related sidebar)
What: The Student Leadership Development Program at IRCC begins with the two-day Leadership Conference, which gathers more than 100 freshman and sophomore at the beginning of the school year to participate in various events including leadership workshops, teambuilding, and group problem-solving activities. Held at the end of the fall semester is the off-campus, two-day Leadership Retreat, during which students learn effective communication techniques, enhance personal development, and undergo leadership training. Various leadership workshops, which focus on leadership competencies and abilities, take place during the on-campus retreat.
     Students who don’t participate in the Student Leadership Development Program have the option of obtaining a Leadership Development Certification. To be awarded the certificate at the Student Leadership Awards Luncheon at the end of the spring semester, students must attend a certain number of leadership events held through out the year and complete at least 15 hours of community service.
Why: “The program’s goal is for students to take the skills they learn into the community as effective leaders,” says Lori LaCivita, coordinator of student leadership development.“ After students realize who they are as individuals, including their goals and principles, they are able to have an impact on others. “[Students] will gain the ability to lead by example because they will be in touch with their own values, mission, and vision,” LaCivita says.
Who: Contact Lori LaCivita at (772) 462-4723 or llacivit@irss.cc.fl.us for more information. Web: www.ircc.edu.
—Catherine Smith

Where: Florida Community College at Jacksonville, Kent Campus
What: Beginning the fall of 2002, a new pilot program called the Learning Cafe will be launched, with one of its ‘menu’ options offering Leadership Development workshops. The sessions will be available to all enrolled students and will cover topics such as motivation, leadership styles, goal setting, communication and listening skills, cultural diversity, decision making, consensus building, and problem solving. Leadership Development is just one of the five menu categories, which include Student Success, Learning Assistance Center, Testing, and Career Development.
Why: Due to the lack of administrative support at the Kent Campus, very few college preparatory and 1000 level courses will be offered during the 12:30-1:30 p.m. time slot, Monday through Thursday. The Learning Café was created to fill these “limited” activity periods.
Who: Contact Kelly Warren at (904) 381-3674 or kwarren@fccj.org for more information.
—Chelsea Ellis

Where: Hillsborough Community College, Tampa
What: Student Opportunities for Advocating Responsibility was developed four years ago, inspired by HCC President Gwendolyn Stephenson’s desire to have a leadership development program open to all students. The program encompasses leadership retreats with nationally known speakers, opportunities to travel to conferences and receive certification in leadership and peer education, and an option to participate in service learning. Students apply to SOAR each year. There is no cost for students or time limit on their participation.
Why: SOAR was developed to provide students with the necessary leadership skill they need in life, regardless of whether or not they chose to participate in student government or clubs on campus.
Who: Contact Claire Jordan at (813) 757-2107, jordanhcc@aol.com, or cjordan@hcc.cc.fl.us for more information.
—Chelsea Ellis

Where: Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville
What: The Leadership Institute, housed in the Center for Student Leadership & Activities, is a valuable resource for students seeking leadership training. Aside from implementing leadership development in Santa Fe’s Student Government and student organizations, “the Leadership Institute uses a four-pronged approach to teaching leadership,” said Dan Rodkin, coordinator of the Center for Student Leadership & Activities. Those approaches include three courses that provide students with one, two or three credits per class; a series of five to six seminars focusing on various aspects of leadership enhancement; a weekend-long retreat open to 40 students concerned with team-building and communication strategies, which involves a ropes course challenge; and the quarterly Journal of Leadership.
Why: In an attempt to train current and aspiring leaders, the Leadership Institute strives to provide coaching and guidance to members of Student Government and the 46 chartered student organizations. Student groups extend leadership opportunities to their participants, and in turn, “we [the Leadership Institute] provide training for these organization officers to help them to be successful with their groups,” Rodkin says.
Who: Contact Dan Rodkin at dan.rodkin@sfcc.edu for more information. Web: http://admin.sfcc.edu/~sla/lead.htm or www.santafe-sla.com.
—Catherine Smith

Where: Broward Community College, Fort Lauderdale
What: For more than ten years, the Competitive Edge Presidential Leaders Program has been selecting approximately 12 students per year to participate in the intertwining of academic excellence and real-life endeavors. Preceding the for-credit leadership course, students are appointed a member of the BCC’s presidential staff to shadow. Students then partake in a one-day leadership retreat all presidential staff members and serve on a committee dedicated to covering the entire campus. Finally, the Competitive Edge students are invited to spend their spring break traveling to the state capital to shadow a state legislator and survey legislative procedures.
Why: “This combination of the formal academic experience with the observation based real-world shadowing of high level leaders at the college and at Florida’s state government is an ideal synthesis of theory and practice, and we believe offers our students a ‘competitive edge” as they leave college and begin to participate more fully in our pluralistic democracy,” said Neil Cohen, director of student affairs, programs, services & organizations.
Who: Contact Neil Cohen at (954) 761-7324 or ncohen@broward.edu for more information.
—Catherine Smith

Where: Valencia Community College, Orlando
What: The Navigating Leadership Program offers a variety of extracurricular activities and workshops, and is currently in the process of reinitiating the leadership class previously available. Workshops offered throughout the years include Leadership Exchange, a leadership Symposium, Student Success Convocations, Dimensions of Leadership, a leadership practicum. VCC students are also able to attend a leadership certification program for their two-year duration.
Why: “The Navigating Leadership Program wants to provide students with the education, skills, and training to become leaders at the college, in the community, and in the workforce,” says Kathi Schaeffer, student development coordinator for the Osceola campus. Increasing students’ awareness in a variety of areas is also a goal of the program.
Who: Contact Kathi Schaeffer at (321) 697-4158, or kschaeffer@valencia.cc.fl.us for more information.
—Catherine Smith

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